Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed attendees to the meeting and apologies for absence were received from County Borough Councillors L.M. Adams, S. Belzak, A. Davies-Jones, S. Evans, D. Grehan, M. Griffiths, J. Harries, J. James, K.L. Jones, K. Morgan, W. Owen, M. Tegg, G. Williams, D 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 were made:

·      County Borough Councillor G. Davies declared a personal interest in respect of Item 6 of the agenda, Members’ Questions – ‘In relation to question 2, I work at a Food Bank’;

·      County Borough Councillor E. Stephens declared a personal interest in respect of Item 9 of the agenda, Notices of Motion- ‘I work for the Department for Work and Pensions, which provides Universal Credit, which is the subject of one of proposals. I won’t be taking part in the discussion and will be abstaining’;

·      County Borough Councillor R. Lewis declared a personal interest in respect of Item 6 of the agenda, Members’ Questions – ‘In relation to question 2, I am a volunteer with Merthyr Cynon Foodbank’; and

·      County Borough Councillor E. George declared a personal interest in respect of Item 6 of the agenda, Members’ Questions – ‘In relation to question 2, I am a volunteer with Merthyr Cynon Foodbank’.

To receive representatives from the RCT team and the UBI Lab Wales, providing Members with opportunity for discussion in respect of a local and a Wales-wide perspective.

The Council received a verbal update from Mr J Williams (UBI Lab Wales) and Mr S Thomas (UBI Lab RCT), who sought to provide Members with information on the work undertaken in relation to Universal Basic Income from both a local and a Wales-wide perspective.

Prior to the presentation, the representative took the opportunity to thank RCT Council for supporting and adopting the Notice of Motion in respect of Universal Basic Income at its meeting held on 16^th December 2020.

Members were informed that UBI Wales was essentially a hub for the Borough labs and that the ambition was for other Local Authorities to follow RCT’s lead in supporting Universal Basic Income. In order to achieve its goal and drive the conversation in respect of Universal Basic Income, UBI Wales were founding labs across Wales and working in partnership with the Future Generations Commissioner to establish what Universal Basic Income could look like in Wales.

During the presentation, the representatives provided Members with detailed information on the following:

·         The definition of Universal Basic Income and why UBI Lab Wales considered it to be the right policy to meet the challenges of the 21st century;

·         The previous trials and outcomes;

·         UBI Lab Wales’ ideal pilot; and

·         Potential funding opportunities and the possibility of it running parallel with the Green Industrial Revolution over the next decade.

The Leader of the Council took the opportunity to thank the individuals for the informative update. The Leader acknowledged the deprivation experienced within the Borough, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and commented that should funding be made available from UK or Welsh Government, RCT would be supportive of trialling a pilot in respect of Universal Basic Income. The Leader emphasised that the trial could indicate that Universal Basic Income may not necessarily be the best way forward but was happy to support its trial.

County Borough Councillor P Jarman referenced UBI Lab Wales’ statement that only 8% of people knew what Universal Basic Income was and questioned how the pilot would be communicated with the local communities. The representative advised that, along with the use of social media and newspapers, the Borough labs would seek to engage face to face with the local communities, subject to future Covid-19 regulations.

County Borough Councillor M Powell spoke of similar case studies and was happy to support a pilot within RCT. The Member suggested that the pilot target the most deprived communities and felt that it would need to be carried out over a prolonged period of time, in order to establish any benefits that might arise from it.

1.    County Borough Councillor P Jarman advised Members of the Centenarian Mrs Eva Cotter who turned 100 last year and who has just had her covid vaccination, the first 100 year old patient in her GP surgery in Penrhiwceiber.  Councillor Jarman commented on Mrs Cotters admiration for all those who had developed the vaccine as she has lived through an era when TB, Smallpox, Measles, rhubella and mumps were in communities before those vaccines were available.  Councillor Jarman added that Mrs Cotter was  an inspiration to many and requested that a letter be sent from the Mayor on behalf of the Council.

2.    County Borough Councillor P Jarman took the opportunity to recognise the achievements and kindness of  Amy MacKintosh, a year 9 pupil at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School who had won £1,000 in the first ‘Give help from Home’ competition on behalf of Leigh Gardens Pool in Penrhiwceiber.  Members were advised that Amy had undertaken her project under the Religious Studies blended learning programme with the guidance of her teacher, Mr Dave Church. Working with Julie Cooke, BEM, community champion at the Asda Aberdare store Amy delivered afternoon tea and essential items to 9 elderly neighbours. Councillor Jarman commented that Amy had done the comprehensive school and Leigh Gardens Pool Committee proud and requested a letter be sent to Amy from the Mayor, acknowledging this achievement.

3.       County Borough Councillor S Rees Owen provided her congratulations and commented on the success of local RCT actor Callum Scott Howell in the new Russell T Davies Drama ‘It’s a Sin’.  Councillor Rees Owen spoke of the character played by Callum, who touched, moved and filled viewers with hope.  The Member spoke of the performances of Callum in the Parc and Dare Theatre over the years, referencing performances with only boys aloud and Treorchy Comprehensive school, to which Callum was head boy.  Members were advised that Callum had paid thanks to the local arts scene for the opportunities and platforms that had been made available to him, to help him learn and grow.  Councillor Rees Owen commented on the bright and exciting future for Callum and wished him all the best for the future.

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:-

Ø  25^th November 2020

Ø  16^th December 2020

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 25^th November 2020 and 16^th December 2020 as an accurate reflection of the meetings.

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:

Statement from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Business.

The Deputy Leader advised Members of the Council’s virtual careers fair that had taken place earlier in the day, advising Members that this was the first virtual careers fair held in Wales.  The Careers fair involved over 30 employers with a total of 525 vaccines available.  The virtual fair was made up of 30 webinars which included details of the council’s apprenticeship and graduate schemes.

Members were informed that 1604 people had registered for the event with 274 people logging on in the first 20minutes and 660 people in the first 2 hours.  The event had received over 6000 views. 

The Deputy Leader thanked staff within HR for the work undertaken to host the event which provided residents with the opportunity to view, participate and apply for good quality jobs across the County Borough.

***

Statement from the Cabinet Member for Enterprise Development and Housing

The Cabinet Member advised Members of a meeting he attended on the 29^th January with Mick Antoniw (AM), Alex Davies Jones (MP) and a Member from the Ponty Bid, who met with representatives from HSBC.  Members were advised of the proposal by HSBC of closing both the Pontypridd and Talbot Green HSBC branch and the rationale including data on footfall had been presented.  The Cabinet Member spoke of the requests by Members to retain the branches or take forward a reduced hours / mobile scheme within the branches, but both proposals were rejected.  The Cabinet Member commented that if the branches were to close then no HSBC branch would be available within RCT.  Representatives of the bank had advised upon alternative arrangements being discusses with utilising the local post offices and account management being taken forward at the Caerphilly and Cowbridge branches respectively.  Members at the meeting voiced their concern over the accessibility of the proposed alternative branches and the impact on vulnerable residents. HSBC representatives confirmed that contact had already been made to such residents. 

The Cabinet Member concluded by advising that the contact details for senior UK management officers within the bank had been request although nothing had been received to date.

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.)

Question from County Borough Councillor M. Forey to the Deputy Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor M Webber:

“Will the Deputy Leader please outline what plans are being developed to facilitate hybrid meetings in the future when restrictions allow?”

The Deputy Leader advised Members that once restrictions allowed, Democratic Services would look to implement a hybrid approach for meetings.  This will be progressed incrementally, in a similar way we approached the rollout of virtual meetings last year.  She stated that this would provide a certain amount of flexibility to operate meetings face-to-face in the near future and whilst allowing for social distancing practices to be maintained.  She added that participation in this approach should be at Members’ discretion.

Councillor Forey welcomed the positive response and asked how this could be built upon for the future

The Deputy Leader responded that Council’s wider aspiration will be to embed this approach, to enable member’s participation in the most flexible way for their circumstances and that this ability is now provided to Local Authorities through the new Local Government Act.  She added that building on our experiences to-date we will want to maximise the capability of our new webcasting facilities and hoped this approach would also support and promote greater diversity in the future and enable better engagement and participation for both Members and residents.

Question from County Borough Councillor H Boggis to the Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being & Cultural Services, County Borough Councillor Cllr R Lewis:

“How is the Council continuing to support local food banks?”

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being and Cultural Services replied that a named officer keeps in touch with the main foodbanks on a regular basis so that the Authority are able to provide timely support when required. He added that this included:

·         Providing them with food products that may be in short supply from the Food Distribution Centre at Llantwit Fardre

·         Ensuring that there is cover over the holiday period to meet any demands for emergency food parcels (only 2 were required over the Christmas holidays);

·         Ensuring there is support for deliveries if required (none has been requested so far); and

·         Providing access to Council buildings for use as storage space (for example, Taff Ely Foodbank is using Gilfach Goch Day Centre for storage of food items at present).

The bulk buying ability of the Council had been identified of particular value by the foodbanks and they have indicated that this provides them with reassurance when they are experiencing a reduction in their supplies.

The RCT Food Support Grant established through the contribution of £10,000 from the Council and £10,000 from Trivallis provides resources to foodbanks & food support projects in RCT. So far 14 applications for grants of £500 each have been approved.

Councillor H Boggis asked what the Council were doing to address the wider issues associated with food poverty

The Cabinet Member Stronger Communities, Cultural Services and Wellbeing replied that two particular schemes where Council is working to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2 the Presiding Officer stated that he would invite the Leader to address Council following which the Leader would respond to Members’ comments on his Annual Report.

The Leader opened his address by commenting on the uniqueness of the situations the Council had faced over the year commenting on  both the devastating flooding of February 2020 and also the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has transformed the lives of all and had a monumental impact on the communities the Council serves. 

The Leader put on record his thanks to all of the Council staff who have provided vital services to the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf, highlighting the work of frontline social care providers, finance staff, test trace and protect staff who are now supporting the mass vaccination programme and all of those staff who have continued to provide the everyday services that residents rely on.  The Leader added that despite the challenges presented with the Council have continued to deliver on its ambitions for the benefit of the entire County Borough.  Before providing specific service area updates the Leader concluded his opening address by commenting that the effects of the pandemic especially are set to shape the future over the remainder of the Council term and beyond, adding that the Council will continue to build upon the strong foundations already in place to create the right opportunities to secure an ambitious future for Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Adults and Children’s Social Care (People)

The Leader provided a detailed update in respect of the adults and children’s social care services advising of the services provided over 2019/20

·       235 Disabled Facilities Grants

·       820 people supported through the Council’s ENABLE fund of £316k

·       352 people supported through the Council’s Handyperson scheme at a cost of £58,400.

·       Delivery of 71 Maintenance Repair Assistance Grants

The Leader continued by advising of the good progress made in modernising the care system provided for older residents in the County with reference made to extra care schemes across the County Borough.

The Leader highlighted the success of the Award winning Stay Well @ Home programme and suggested that detailed information surrounding this should be provided to Members.

The Leader concluded this aspect of his update by advising of the Resilient Families Service, which continues to provide support for with 733 referrals made this year and Children’s Services, informing Members that the service had received contacts in relation to 1,000 more children than last year, with the potential that this demand may well increase in the months ahead. He raised concerns that over the 17% reduction in the rate of children becoming looked after that had been witnessed over these difficult times and the potential that problems may be missed.

Community Hubs

The Leader advised of the position of Community Hubs informing Members that the Community Hub model was further expanded to provide a co-ordinated local response throughout the pandemic, with the Council coordinating a multi-partnership approach to supporting residents through its 7 resilience  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communications presented an update regarding the Council Work Programme advising that the Director of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and the Chair of the Regional Economic Growth Partnership (REGP)would be in attendance at the March Council meeting.

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

The Group Director Children & Community Services presented an update in respect of the Coronavirus in RCT with the aid of a power point presentation which covered the following key information: -

Ø  Confirmed Cases of Covid 19 per 100,000 population in the previous 7 days

Ø  Confirmed Cases of Covid 19 per 100,000 population in the previous 7 days by Local Authority in Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTM)

Ø  Trends in 7-day cumulative Covid infection rates per 100,00 in CTM

Ø  Daily Test Positivity of Covid in CTM

Ø  Covid Local Area Surveillance

Ø  Weekly trends in Covid deaths by location

Ø  Number of vaccines administered in CTM region

Ø  The commencement of Phase 2 on 1^st March 2021

Following the update, each of the Group Leaders were provided with the opportunity to ask questions.

Councillor A Morgan, Leader of the Council and Leader of the Labour Group

The Leader wished to place on record his thanks to all staff supporting the programme with the Health Board.  He advised that there will be more information available very soon on further vaccination centres that would be opening.  Undoubtedly, this will impact on certain facilities when restrictions are lifted, such as where leisure centres that are now vaccination centres but supporting the delivery of the vaccination programme has to remain a priority at this time and hoped that this would be fully supported by members and residents. The Leader advised that there is an online form that people can complete if they are in category 1-4 and had not yet received the vaccine.  He urged members if they were aware of anyone in these categories to direct and support them to book their vaccine via the form.  The Heath Board are also planning very soon to supply a phone number for booking where people are unable to access online facilities.

The Leader continued that foundation phase children will be returning to school in two weeks’ time and discussions were currently ongoing with Ministers and unions on how secondary schools are able to safely return.  He added that a statement in his name would be issued by the WLGA later this evening to state that the priority for all 22 Local Authorities is for all children to safely return to school before any other shops, pubs, restaurants are allowed to open.  He stated that any headroom available should be used for children returning to education and they would await for guidance from the chief medical officer as to when this is possible

Councillor P Jarman (Group Leader, Plaid Cymru Group)

Councillor Jarman stated it would only be when we could collect the data, post COVID inquiry will we get a better understanding of why the number of deaths in the RCT area are so high.  She was troubled at the rate of infection in certain wards, Tylorstown being one, but throughout the Borough and would be interested to learn from the data if this could be down to people who are asked to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 106.

A. To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion standing in the name of County Borough Councillors  M. Forey, J. Bonetto, L. M. Adams, D. R. Bevan, H Boggis, 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, , 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.M. Powell, 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.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities, businesses and families across the country are significant and have been discussed in a number of forums and across a spectrum of platforms.  Millions of people have suffered from financial loss through job losses or collapsed trade, whilst lengthy periods of restrictions have been placed on their daily lives.

At the start of the pandemic, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer claimed they would “put their arms around” everyone at a time of national emergency, and introduced a number of state support packages.  One of these measures was to increase the amount of Universal Credit by £20 per week, benefiting almost six million claimants across the UK either on low incomes or out of work.  This provided significant relief to those in the most need of support during these unprecedented times, with charities and organisations calling the rise “a lifeline” and some of those in receipt of the Universal Credit saying it meant they went from “having to go without to having barely enough.”

Now, almost a year on – with the pandemic still very much dominating daily life, the Conservative UK Government are said to be reviewing the increase with the Prime Minister alleged to be minded to remove it.  The potential withdrawal of such support highlights once again that the Westminster Government put families second at a time when the picture has, in fact, worsened for many with further job losses coming by the day as the effects of the pandemic continue.

In Rhondda Cynon Taf alone, approximately 21,000 people (as of December 2020) claim Universal Credit and the removal of the weekly payment will only serve to hit many in our communities at a time when state support is so vital.

This Council notes:

1.       That the extra £20 per-week payment to Universal Credit is an essential boost for millions that should not be removed during the pandemic. The removal would hit hardest on communities such as Rhondda Cynon Taf

and resolves:

1.       For the Council Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister ahead of the March 3^rd Budget to outline this Council’s opposition to the proposed removal of the £20 per-week increase in Universal Credit whilst the pandemic is still ongoing

*************************************************************  ...  view the full agenda text for item 107.

A. The following Notice of Motion standing in the name of County Borough Councillors M. Forey, J. Bonetto, L. M. Adams, D. R. Bevan, H Boggis, 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, , 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.M. Powell, 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 received:

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities, businesses and families across the country are significant and have been discussed in a number of forums and across a spectrum of platforms.  Millions of people have suffered from financial loss through job losses or collapsed trade, whilst lengthy periods of restrictions have been placed on their daily lives.

At the start of the pandemic, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer claimed they would “put their arms around” everyone at a time of national emergency, and introduced a number of state support packages.  One of these measures was to increase the amount of Universal Credit by £20 per week, benefiting almost six million claimants across the UK either on low incomes or out of work.  This provided significant relief to those in the most need of support during these unprecedented times, with charities and organisations calling the rise “a lifeline” and some of those in receipt of the Universal Credit saying it meant they went from “having to go without to having barely enough.”

Now, almost a year on – with the pandemic still very much dominating daily life, the Conservative UK Government are said to be reviewing the increase with the Prime Minister alleged to be minded to remove it.  The potential withdrawal of such support highlights once again that the Westminster Government put families second at a time when the picture has, in fact, worsened for many with further job losses coming by the day as the effects of the pandemic continue.

In Rhondda Cynon Taf alone, approximately 17,000 people (as of December 2020) claim Universal Credit and the removal of the weekly payment will only serve to hit many in our communities at a time when state support is so vital.

This Council notes:

·         That the extra £20 per-week payment to Universal Credit is an essential boost for millions that should not be removed during the pandemic. The removal would hit hardest on communities such as Rhondda Cynon Taf

and resolves:

·         For the Council Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister ahead of the March 3rd Budget to outline this Council’s opposition to the proposed removal of the £20 per-week increase in Universal Credit whilst the pandemic is still ongoing

At the meeting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.