Agenda and minutes

An apology of absence was declared by County Borough Councillors S Belzak, J R Davies, A Davies-Jones, Sera Evans, M Fidler Jones, E Griffiths, J harries, L Hooper, K Jones, K Morgan, S Pickering, M Tegg, R K Turner, G Williams and C Willis.

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:

Agenda Item 2 - CWM TAF MORGANNWG UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD

Ø  County Borough Councillor G Caple – “My son is a doctor and works in Bridgend and for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board”

Ø  County Borough Councillor G Caple – “I am a member of the Community Health Council”

Ø  County Borough Councillor Sheryl Evans – “I work for the CTMHB”

Ø  County Borough Councillor M Forey – “I am a former Elected Member representative on the Health Board”

Ø  County Borough Councillor P Jarman – “I am a former member of the RCT LHB”

Ø  County Borough Councillor R Yeo – “My wife works for Cwm Taf UHB in Prince Charles Hospital”

Ø  County Borough Councillor R Lewis – “I have a close relative who works for the CTMUHB”

Ø  County Borough Councillor G R Davies – “I was a con tractor for the Health Board up until 2 years ago. I am now retired”

Ø  County Borough Councillor S Morgans – “My daughter is a nurse at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital”

Ø  County Borough Councillor G Jones – “I am a member of the Community Health Council”

Ø  County Borough Councillor M Powell – “My father is in the Royal Glamorgan Hospital where he contracted Coronavirus”

Agenda item 8 - Welsh Church Act Fund Annual Report 2019/2020

Ø  County Borough Councillor R. Bevan – “I have Cabinet responsibility for the Church Acts Grants Scheme”

Ø  County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings – “I am on the Nos Galan Committee which has previously applied for funding.”

Ø  County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings – “I am trustee of Friend of Aberdare Park, Aberdare”

Ø  County Borough Councillor R. Lewis – “I am the Vice-President of Abercynon Male Choir (Côr Meibion Abercynon).”

Ø  County Borough Councillor M Norris – “I am on the board of a community group that has received money from the Church Act”

Ø  County Borough Councillor G. R. Davies – “I am the Secretary of Blaencwm Church which has previously received funding and member of the Rhondda Tennis Club Committee.”

Ø  County Borough Councillor J. Edwards – “In my employment capacity, I signpost/support 3rd Sector community groups to access the funding”

Ø  County Borough Councillor S Powell- “I am trustee of Llantrisant Guildhall”

Ø  County Borough Councillor E Stephens – “I work for the Department of Work and Pensions”

Ø  County Borough Councillor S Rees – “I am trustee of Friends of Aberdare Park, Aberdare”

Ø  County Borough Councillor G Jones – “I am a trustee of the Friends of Aberdare Park, Aberdare” and “I am Chair of Trecynon Free Library & Institute which have both received funding from the Church Act”

To receive representatives from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, providing Members with opportunity for discussion and updates in respect of the latest Coronavirus information (including roll out of the Covid-19 Vaccine), Winter pressures and other strategic issues.

The Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, Mr Marcus Longley thanked Rhondda Cynon Taf Council for its support and partnership working during these difficult and challenging times. He outlined the overarching topics which would be presented at the meeting with input from Mr Paul Mears (Chief Executive), Nick Lyons (Deputy CEO / Medical Director) Alan Lawrie (Chief Operating Officer) and Greg Dix (Director of Nursing).

  The Chair provided a summary of what has taken place over the last 12 months such as the publication of Joint Review into Quality Governance (November 2019) which set out a significant agenda and the response to Targeted Intervention (Quality and Governance) and Special Measures (Maternity Services). He advised that the new operating model has overhauled the entire organisation and the way it is managed and includes significant devolution of responsibility to the three localities which ensures the health board operates cohesively. The Chair paid tribute to the health board staff for their incredible response to Covid-19 and the challenges it has brought. In conclusion, the Chair introduced Mr Paul Mears who was appointed as the new Chief Executive in September 2020 and who along with his colleagues provided an update thro ugh the aid of a Power Point Presentation against the following key headings :-

Ø  Key Headlines- Looking forward to the Next 12 months

Ø  Covid-19

Ø  The Ambition of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board

Ø  Integrated Winter Plans

Ø  Primary Care

Ø  Maternity Services-Oversight

Ø  Next Steps

Ø  Update on A&E at Royal Glamorgan Hospital

Ø  Moving Forward

Following the presentation, the Leader, County Borough Councillor A Morgan stated that there had been regular updates from the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board to Full Council most recently from Mr Mick Giannasi, Chair of the Independent Maternity Services Oversight Panel, who had delivered positive news of some recommendations to be implemented.

Opportunity was provided to the Group Leaders to ask questions of the Health Board representatives: -

Councillor P Jarman (Plaid Cymru Group)

Councillor Jarman thanked all the health staff in the hospitals looking after very sick patients at the moment and added that she was pleased to read a tweet from Mr Mears that day acknowledging the importance of being honest with and keeping patients and families informed. Councillor Jarman relayed the experience of an individual who had passed away on the 5^th December 2020 after contracting Covid 19 in hospital having originally been admitted to Cwm Taf Morgannwg as a cancer patient, Councillor Jarman stated that Aneurin Bevan had recently apologised to a family whose relative had caught Covid whilst in hospital and asked whether Cwm Taf would do the same and improve on the communication arrangements to ensure that patients not being treated for conditions other than Covid are not lost.

Cllr Jarman welcomed the progress on the Maternity Services and publication of the report in January 2021. In conclusion, Councillor Jarman expressed concern and hoped that the Government’s decision to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

·       County Borough Councillor advised Members that an invite had already been extended to UBI Lab Network RCT to a future meeting of Full Council to provide an update on progress.

·       County Borough Councillor L Walker took the opportunity to congratulate Mr David Jenkins, the Head Teacher from Ysgol Ty Coch for receiving the accolade of Head Techer of the Year.  Councillor Walker also advised that Ysgol Ty Coch had been put forward for the Times Education Supplement for the second consecutive year and took the opportunity to thank Mr Jenkins, the staff and the school for all of their fantastic achievements.

·       County Borough Councillor P Jarman paid tribute to the work and achievements of Mr D Church, Mountain Ash Comprehensive School who won the prestigious award of ‘Pupils Award for Best Teacher’.  Councillor Jarman spoke of the inspirational teacher that Mr Church was for both past and present pupils.

·       Councillor Jarman also took the opportunity to congratulate the achievement of Lily Maund, a year 5 pupil from Caegarw Primary School in winning the poster competition to promote the need to continue to adhere to the Covid 19 regulations.  Members were advised that the poster campaign would be used across RCT to help keep people safe and the Member thanked Lily for her thoughtfulness and added that all should follow her advice.

·       County Borough Councillor J Rosser also highlighted the achievements of Mr D Jenkins and Mr D Church at the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.  The Member spoke of the challenging year for all school communities, adding that it was never more important than now for head teachers to be recognised and again congratulated the individuals with their awards.

·       Councillor W Jones spoke of the reopening of St Albans Bridge in Tynewydd advising that the bridge was a lifeline to many residents.  The Member paid thanks to the Council for the financial investment in this area.  He also commented upon the local contractors who delivered upon the project on time, even during the Covid pandemic.  The Member concluded his comments by paying tribute to the community involvement in the consultation period and the community opening event that took place which was Covid restrictions compliant.

·       County Borough Councillor G Davies celebrated the reopening of the St Albans Bridge in Tynewydd after the recent flooding events and 9 months of Covid. He praised the contractor Alan Griffiths for keeping the community advised throughout the project and for keeping to the deadline, despite Covid. Councillor Davies thanked the Council for the £2m financial investment, the community and the contractor for an excellent project.NEED WELSH TRANSLATION TO CHECK THIS AS Cllr spoke in welsh

The Deputy Leader moved the suspension of Council Procedure Rule 15.1 which states that a matter would be decided by a simple majority of those Members voting and present in the room at the time the question was put in order to facilitate the smooth running of the virtual meeting.

Following consideration of the matter it was RESOLVED to suspend Council Procedure Rule 15.1

To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 21^st October 2020.

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 21^st October 2020 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

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.)

From County Borough Councillor P Jarman to the Cabinet Member for Adult Community Services & Welsh Language, County Borough Councillor G Hopkins:

“Please will you make a statement on how the Council supported Direct Payment for disabled adults and their carers during the Pandemic”

“Councillor Hopkins responded by advising that Direct Payments provide residents with the opportunity to have more choice and independence of their own care and support needs and the Council’s role is to help support people should they wish to choose that option. Adult Services have continued to work with their clients to assess their needs and to establish whether Direct Payments continue to meet their needs. Welfare and support calls have been carried out by DEWIS, the Council and the personal assistants to mitigate risks particularly to those who’s services have changed during the Pandemic and worked with individuals to ensure Direct Payments are used in a suitable way to prioritise tasks such as shopping and the collection of prescriptions. The Council has also worked with DEWIS with PPE to assistants in their role as key workers”.

Supplementary question from Councillor P Jarman:

“Councillor Jarman spoke on behalf of a resident who employs a personal assistant under the Direct Payment scheme to care for her severely disabled daughter. She advised that the support she received to access PPE and testing for the personal assistant she employs was, during the lockdown, not sufficiently sympathetic or coordinated and was very fragmented and deficient. She did want to thank DEWIS and Council staff who she dealt with for their advice assistance within the framework they had to work to.

Councillor Jarman asked for confirmation that the Council has, since the latest fire break, been able to persuade CTMHB to extend the routine testing that is available to those personal assistants who work in care homes that it is also available to those staff who provide the most personal care in people’s own homes under the Direct Payment scheme.”

Response form Councillor G Hopkins:

“Councillor Hopkins expressed his concern regarding the case and asked Councillor Jarman to forward the details to him so that he may provide a response to include the  wider issues”

From County Borough Councillor S. Morgans to the Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services, County Borough Councillor J. Rosser:

“Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the developments to increase the capacity of Welsh Medium Education?”

“Councillor Rosser advised that through the WESP the Council continues to support the WG’s ambition of 1million welsh speakers across Wales by 2050. Improving facilities in welsh medium settings through council investment and WG grant funding forms the key part of this with almost £4m of funding from WG’s Welsh Medium Capital Grant which has enabled new or improved childcare or Cylch Meithrin at a range of school sites to include YGG Ynyswen, YGG Evan James and YGG Aberdar. This will help to strengthen early exposure to welsh medium provision and transition to those school settings.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

The Leader of the Council announced that this would be the last Council meeting for Mr Gio Isingrini, the Group Director of Children & Community Services due to his pending retirement from the Local Authority. The Leader paid tribute to Mr Isingrini and thanked him for his support to staff and the Senior Management Team and acknowledged his hard work and long hours he had committed to the post particularly throughout the pandemic. He commented that Gio would be a hard act to follow and advised that Mr Paul Mee would be taking up post in the New Year.

The Leader also provided an update in relation to the flood repairs and schemes as follows:-

Emergency Repairs

26 listed

6 in development

1 on site

19 completed

Flood Risk Management Major Schemes

11 identified

10 in development

1 on site

Flood Risk Management Small Schemes (under £150,000 threshold)

23 identified

14 in development

4 on site

5 completed

Flood Risk Management small schemes advanced Preparation

8 in development

Resilient Roads Funding

18 schemes

14 in development

2 on site

2 completed

The Leader summarised the total figures as follows and gave assurance that there is a significant amount of work being undertaken despite the restrictions in place and even during any future lock down, contractors will continue to work with staff: -

86 schemes identified

52 in development

8 on site

26 completed

The Leader of the Plaid Cymru Group also thanked Mr Isingrini for his support he has given to the Plaid Cymru Group and Councillor Jarman and stated that he was a true professional and a very hands-on officer.

Mr Gio Isingrini thanked Council for the opportunity to work for the local authority and he acknowledged his worthy successor, Mr Paul Mee.

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communications presented an update regarding the Council Work Programme and advised that the Council Revenue Budget-Provisional Local Government Settlement would be reported to the subsequent Council meeting in January 2021. The Leader’s Annual Debate would take place at the February Council meeting and in conclusion, the Service Director pointed out that there is a pre-Council provisional training session on Gypsy, Roma and Travellers training for Members.

To receive a position statement in respect of the Coronavirus in the County Borough.

The Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services provided an update in respect of Coronavirus in Rhondda Cynon Taf through the means of a Power Point presentation under the following headings :-

Ø  Case rates by region

Ø  Case rates by Local Authority

Ø  Trends in 7-day Cumulative Covid Incidence Rate Per 100,000 in RCT 15^th September – 9^th December 2020

Ø  Trend in Day Covid Test Positivity Rates in RCT

Ø  LSOA Covid Heat Map

Ø  Built up Area Covid Heat Map

Ø  Covid Local Area Surveillance

Ø  Contract Tracing

Ø  Whole Area Testing – Lower Cynon

Following the presentation, the Leader advised that the First Minister had outlined that further restrictions would be in place on the 24^th December and the whole Nation would go into Tier 4 from Christmas Day. With the situation changing quickly the Leader stated that a review of the Council Services would be undertaken over the Christmas period to support key frontline services such as recycling and refuse services and discussions with HR to ensure staffing levels are bolstered in key areas such as Track and Trace programme. The Leader confirmed that over 300 staff are currently working on the Track and Trace programme which can generate up to 9,000 contacts in a single week across the Cwm Taf area. The service operates on a 7 day a week basis and evenings.

The mass testing pilot that was originally targeted in the lower Cynon area has been successfully extended with the support of the council staff that are primarily involved in the coordination of the testing. The Leader advised that the mass testing scheme was likely to identify between 700-800 individuals positive cases and with the track and trace programme in place to follow up contacts the programme was having an impact on the number of cases and of benefit.

The Leader confirmed that daily discussions were being held between all 22 Local Authorities and Ministers and advised that the vast majority of non-essential council services will close, public venues will close, public toilets in Pontypridd and Aberdare will remain open and public transport will operate for commuters. The vast majority of council services will also close but frontline services such as social care, children’s services, meals on wheels and recycling services will remain in operation. The Leader stressed the importance of Members relaying key messages to residents about limiting the contact with others.

In conclusion the Leader expressed his gratitude to the staff, particularly school staff looking after school children of key workers.

Councillor P Jarman (Plaid Cymru Group)

Councillor Jarman wished to extend her gratitude to all council staff delivering all the services, in particularly school staff and the council  and health board staff who set up the testing arrangements in Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, from 486 children that were tested only one pupil had a positive result from the 486 children that were tested.

Councillor Jarman sought clarification on the source of the text messages  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

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

In his report, the Director of Finance and Digital Services sought the approval of Members of the Statement of Accounts for the Welsh Church Act Fund for the financial year ended 31st March, 2020; and it was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve and note the Welsh Church Act Fund Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial year 2019/2020 (attached at Appendix 1 of the report);

2.    To approve and note the Letter of Representation relating to the Welsh Church Act Fund (attached as Appendix 2 of the report); and

3.    To note the External Auditor report (attached as Appendix 3 of the report).

(N.B At this juncture in the meeting County Borough Councillor A Morgan declared the following personal interest “I am a member of the Nos Galan Committee and Darran Las Environmental Group”)

To receive the joint report of the Chief Executive and the Director of Human Resources

The Director of Human Resources referred Members to his report which sought Council’s ratification of the decision of the Appointments Committee, regarding the appointment to the post of Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Services.

It was RESOLVED to ratify the recommendation of the Appointments Committee that Mrs. Louise Davies be appointed to the post of Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Services w.e.f. 1^st January 2021.

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

A. Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors County Borough Councillors G. Hughes, L. M. Adams, G. Caple, D. R. Bevan, H Boggis, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J Brencher, A Calvert, A. Crimmings, A. Davies-Jones,  L De- Vet, J. Edwards, J Elliott, S. Evans, M Fidler Jones, M. Forey, A. Fox, E. George, M. Griffiths, J. Harries G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, G. Jones, R. Lewis, W Lewis, C. Leyshon, A. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, S Pickering, S. Powell, S. Powderhill, S. Rees, A. Roberts, J. Rosser, G Stacey, M Tegg, G Thomas, W Treeby, R K Turner, M. Webber, D. Williams, T. Williams, C. J. Willis and  R. Yeo.

On 1st May 2020, the U.K. Government initially cut the tax on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to 0% in order to “relieve the burden of VAT on the price of purchasing PPE used for protection from coronavirus by frontline workers.”  However, last month, the Treasury confirmed that protective equipment purchased by businesses and the general public would be once again subject to the 20% sales tax from November following the 6-month exemption period.

The re-introduction of the full 20% sales tax would have a significant effect on many private sector businesses and, of course, ordinary consumers and members of the public at a time when many are not only continuing to struggle with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but will also be turning their thoughts towards the Christmas period, which in itself can be a time of financial hardship for families across the U.K.  It is estimated that the reintroduction of the tax could cost families as much as £100 over six months.

This Council therefore calls on the UK Government to extend the waiver in VAT afforded to Personal Protective Equipment to ensure that private sector businesses and residents are not financially penalised in taking the sensible and advised steps to minimise their risk of contracting or passing on COVID-19.

This Council asks that the Leader writes to the UK Government asking they urgently extend the VAT exemption on PPE.  

B. Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors M. Griffiths, T. Williams, L. M. Adams, D. R. Bevan, H Boggis, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J Brencher, A Calvert, G. Caple, A. Crimmings, A. Davies-Jones, L De- Vet, J. Edwards, J Elliott, S. Evans, M Fidler Jones, M. Forey, A. Fox, E. George, J. Harries G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, G. W. Hughes, G. Jones, R. Lewis, W Lewis, C. Leyshon, A. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen Jones, S Pickering, S. Powell, S. Powderhill, S. Rees, A. Roberts, J. Rosser, G Stacey, M Tegg, G Thomas, W Treeby, R K Turner, M. Webber, D. Williams, C. J. Willis and R. Yeo.

The effects of inequality and poverty on life chances are multi-faceted and well documented, with the impact of the global  ...  view the full agenda text for item 79.

A)   The following Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors G. Hughes, L. M. Adams, G. Caple, D. R. Bevan, H Boggis, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J Brencher, A Calvert, A. Crimmings, A. Davies-Jones,  L De- Vet, J. Edwards, J Elliott, S. Evans, M Fidler Jones, M. Forey, A. Fox, E. George, M. Griffiths, J. Harries G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, G. Jones, R. Lewis, W Lewis, C. Leyshon, A. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, S Pickering, S. Powell, S. Powderhill, S. Rees, A. Roberts, J. Rosser, G Stacey, M Tegg, G Thomas, W Treeby, R K Turner, M. Webber, D. Williams, T. Williams, C. J. Willis and  R. Yeo was receved:

On 1st May 2020, the U.K. Government initially cut the tax on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to 0% in order to “relieve the burden of VAT on the price of purchasing PPE used for protection from coronavirus by frontline workers.”  However, last month, the Treasury confirmed that protective equipment purchased by businesses and the general public would be once again subject to the 20% sales tax from November following the 6-month exemption period.

The re-introduction of the full 20% sales tax would have a significant effect on many private sector businesses and, of course, ordinary consumers and members of the public at a time when many are not only continuing to struggle with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but will also be turning their thoughts towards the Christmas period, which in itself can be a time of financial hardship for families across the U.K.  It is estimated that the reintroduction of the tax could cost families as much as £100 over six months.

This Council therefore calls on the UK Government to extend the waiver in VAT afforded to Personal Protective Equipment to ensure that private sector businesses and residents are not financially penalised in taking the sensible and advised steps to minimise their risk of contracting or passing on COVID-19.

This Council asks that the Leader writes to the UK Government asking they urgently extend the VAT exemption on PPE.  

Following discussion’s, it was RESOLVED to adopt the Notice of Motion.

·       (N.B. All Labour Members in attendance at this juncture in the meeting wished for their names to be recorded in favour of the motion, namely County Borough Councillors G. Hughes, L. M. Adams, G. Caple, D. R. Bevan, H Boggis, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J Brencher, A Calvert, A. Crimmings, A. Davies-Jones,  J. Edwards, J Elliott, S. Evans,  M. Forey, A. Fox, E. George, M. Griffiths, G. Holmes,  G. Jones, R. Lewis, W Lewis, C. Leyshon, A. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, S Pickering, S. Powell,  S. Rees,  J. Rosser, G Stacey,  G Thomas, W Treeby,  M. Webber, D. Williams, T. Williams and  R. Yeo

·       County Borough Councillor J. James abstained from voting on the matter)

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B)   The following Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.