Agenda and minutes

An apology of absence was received from County Borough Councillors Sera Evans, M Fidler Jones, S Pickering, M Tegg 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 pertaining to the agenda:-

·       County Borough Councillor R Lewis declare the following personal interest in Agenda item 11 – “YGG Abercynon is referenced within the report, I am Chair of Governors at the School and a close relative works at the School”

·       County Borough Councillor S Belzak declared the following personal interest in Agenda Item 11 – “My daughter works in one of the schools referenced within the report”

·       County Borough Councillor P Jarman –Agenda items 9-14 “Dispensation to speak and vote on all matters for the duration and adoption of the 2021-22 Budget process in my capacity as Leader of the Opposition”

·       County Borough Councillor M Powell - “Dispensation to speak and vote on all matters relating to the Children’s Services department (within the Community and Children’s Group), save for any specific matters that directly affect his wife, who is employed by the Council in the Children’s Services department as a Contact Worker”

·       County Borough Councillor K Morgan declared the following personal and prejudicial interest and did not participate in the matter when the item was voted upon– Agenda item 15 Notice of Motion – “My brother is a striking employee of British Gas”

·       County Borough Councillor J Harries declared the following personal interest-“My father works for the Council”

In respect of Item 14 – The Council’s Pay Policy Statement:

·       Mr A Wilkins– Director, Legal Services on behalf of all Council Officers present in relation to Agenda Item 14 - “The Pay Policy statement for the Council has no effect on existing terms and conditions applying to individual employees and simply sets out the Council’s approach to previously approved pay policies, therefore Officers will remain in the meeting whilst the item is presented by the Director of Human Resources and during subsequent discussion.”

To receive a PowerPoint presentation from the Director of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and the Chair of the Regional Economic Growth Partnership (REGP) providing Members with details of the CCRCD Programme and the work completed to date.

Council received the Director of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and the

Council received the Director of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and the Chair of the Regional Economic Growth Partnership (RECP) who delivered a Power Point presentation which addressed the following areas:-

Ø  Executive Summary – last four years & what next

Ø  CCR - Connected, Competitive, Resilient - We have strong sense of core purpose

Ø  Solid Foundations - Data, Process, Frameworks and Collaboration

Ø  Governance and Partnership Structures

Ø  Effective Governance and Partnership Engagement -We have transformed working practices and speed of decision making

Ø  Investment and Intervention Fund

Ø  Approved Projects to date

Ø  Wider investment pipeline

Ø  Wider Impact of Investment – CS Foundry Project and Cluster

Ø  Impact Overview -What does all this mean for RCT?

Ø  The future for RCT…?

Ø  New Corporate Joint Committees

Ø  Regional Public Investment

Ø  CCR Regional Cabinet – (Corporate Joint Committee)

Ø  Next Five Years and Levelling Up

Ø  Why Act as a Region? Because Together Everyone Achieves More

The Leader of the Council thanked both the Director of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and the Chair of the Regional Economic Growth Partnership (REGP) for their comprehensive overview of the CCRCD.

The Leader outlined some key projects of the CCRD such as the Housing Investment Fund, the Graduate Scheme, agreed and enhanced by the funding from the 10 Local Authorities, Zip World, Porth Hub Transport (with over £6m investment) and he outlined the benefits of match funding from WG on a number of projects. He alluded to over £200m of metro funding to be invested in RCT, as a key beneficiary of core Metro funding through enhancements to the stations and the electric lines to Cardiff. An electric vehicle charging strategy across the region with further funds from WG. The Leader advised of strategic sites such as the A465 and potential development of disused industrial sites which have all promoted the closer working relationship between the 10 Local Authorities and he alluded to the advantages the City Deal will bring to this Local Authority.

Councillor P Jarman (Plaid Cymru Group)

• The key objective is to uplift GBA by 5% growth and to achieve 25,000 additional jobs, when this is likely to be achieved?
• Flexicare is a successful and valued employer in the community and has been for many years, it would be of benefit if they could expand in the ward
• The Housing Viability Gap Fund - Is the phurnacite plant one of the sites identified?
• Key to securing the new Regional Fund relates to the levelling up with reference to national infrastructure, does that refer to UK or Welsh Government?
• Corporate Joint Committees - Councillor Jarman hoped that a full report would be presented to Council to explain what that will mean

The Director of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal confirmed that the targets of the City Deal mentioned are over a 20-year period from March 2021. The Director  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

Announcements

1. The Presiding Officer paid tribute to former County Borough Councillor Mike Diamond who had recently resigned as Councillor for RCT. He described him as a gentleman, a true professional and a worthy champion of his community. The Presiding Officer relayed former Councillor Diamond’s gratitude to all Members and staff for the help he received while he was in office.

2. County Borough Councillor P Jarman wished to echo the tribute to former County Borough Councillor Mike Diamond.

Councillor Jarman stated that it is pleasing that the Council has already made an announcement that 12-year-old Alfie Ford, a Mountain Ash Comprehensive School pupil, has won £1,000 for his chosen charity, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital. His ‘First Give’ project was gifting little bags of happiness to frontline key workers for all they have done throughout the pandemic. Councillor Jarman also paid tribute to Trudy Fisher, a critical key worker, a Young Carer’s Project Co-ordinator who provides support to children between the ages of 5-18 years and has supported the needs of these young carers and their families with food and electricity grants and ensuring the voices of these children are heard.  She has been nominated for a St. David Award from the First Minister (with the results being announced on the 24^th March 2021). Councillor Jarman requested that a letter from the Mayor be written to both to recognise their achievements and sending best wishes 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

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications confirmed the political party numbers present at the meeting as:-

Labour Group – 43

Plaid Cymru Group – 15

RCT Independent Group – 6

Conservative Group – 2

Independent member – 1

To approve as accurate records, the minutes of the Council Meeting held on:

·       20^th January, 2021

·       10^th February 2021

The Council RESOLVED to approve the Minutes of the virtual Council meetings of the 20^th January and 10^th February 2021 as an accurate reflection of the meetings subject to it being noted that the Conservative Group abstained from voting on the Notice of Motion as set out in the Minutes of the 20^th January 2021 (Minute 94 refers).

Mr C Davies, Audit Manager, Audit Wales, presented the annual Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Audit Summary for 2020 which sets out the work completed since the last Annual Improvement Report, issued in September 2019. Council was advised that the audit summary forms part of the Auditor General for Wales’ duties and this year has been presented in a more accessible and succinct format. He added that this would be the last year for him and his colleague Ms J Davies to present the summary for RCT as they were both moving on to other projects.

Following the presentation, the Leader of the Council thanked both Officers for the report and commented that the frank and open relationship between the Council and Audit Wales had been constructive and helpful for the Council to recognise and prioritise those areas where improvements have been necessary.

Following discussion and comments from the Group Leaders it was RESOLVED to note the information contained within the report. 

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:

The Deputy Leader made a statement in respect of the illumination of prominent key buildings across the county borough on the 23^rd March, as a mark of respect to RCT communities and as a thank you to the NHS and all staff to mark the official year date of the Covid lockdown.

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.)

“Can the Leader give an update on the plans for the new Train Station in Treforest Estate?”

Response from the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A Morgan:-

The Leader advised that RCT is working with Transport for Wales (TFW) and Welsh Government (WG) on developing the new station which is a priority area on the Valley Lines and will be cited on the opposite side of the river to where the DWP Office buildings are currently located with a new footbridge, active travel compliant from Willowford Road and linking into the Estate. TFW is progressing with stage C design of the development and RCT Council is supporting the land assembly that is required. The Leader stated that programme funding discussions are ongoing and from this current and the next financial year progress with regional funding is progressing and the scheme will be taken forward over the next two years.

There was no supplementary question

From County Borough Councillor M. Powell to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A Morgan:

“Would Councillor Morgan state what the Council’s policy or attitude is to reducing vehicular emissions to improve air quality in residential areas of RCT light of the recent Southwark Coroners ruling, link below.

"On 16 December, Southwark Coroner's Court in London found that air pollution "made a material contribution" to the death of nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah."
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-55352247

Response from County Borough Councillor A Morgan:-

“The Leader commented that Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah lived near the busy South Circular Road in Lewisham and suffered with a rare type of acute asthma which made her susceptible to toxic gases and particulates. The Coroner confirmed that her death was due to genetic conditions and partly due to the environment. On behalf of the Council, the Leader extended his sympathies to the family and paid tribute to the courageous way they had highlighted the issues.

The Leader confirmed that the Council routinely assess the air quality in RCT and has done so since the late 1990’s to gain a better understanding of the complex issues around local air quality and to support evidence-based decision making and the council continues to invest in the long term monitoring of certain air pollutants such as Nitrogen Dioxide. Monitoring shows that the levels of air quality in RCT has dramatically improved since the late 1990’s and levels are below the nationally set air quality objectives. Some locations within the county borough are more challenging in terms of poor air quality and associated Nitrogen Dioxide from traffic omissions and these areas have been identified as air quality management areas. By adopting bespoke air quality action plans, the council has identified a number of cost-effective actions relating to managing traffic.

Members were advised that sustainable traffic options are being encouraged such as the Metro, Park and Ride schemes as well as local neighbourhood solutions such as pedestrian routes and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117.

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications presented an update regarding the Council Work Programme and announced that there were no amendments or additions to the council work programme 2020/21 as published.

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

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications presented his report in respect of the vacation of Office by a Councillor as a result of non-attendance at meetings. As part of his presentation the Service Director outlined the provisions of Section 85 and 86 of the Local Government Act 1972 (“LGA 1972”), which deal with a vacation of office by a Councillor because of a failure to attend meetings; and information in respect of the non-attendance at meetings by a Member of Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC for over a six-month period, without permission for absence being approved by Council.

Crucially, the Service Director reminded Council that further to the introduction of the Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020 on the 22^nd April 2020, there was a further amendment to section 85 of the LGA 1972 that stated that the period from 22nd April 2020 to the first day on which a meeting is held (and which a Member could attend) was to be disregarded for the purpose of recording a Member’s attendance at meetings and the operation of the six-month rule.

At the time of the introduction to the regulations, the Council re-introduced committee functions incrementally, to allow Members to build experience operating in a virtual committee environment and for all concerned to gain experience of using the Zoom platform. This approach provided maximum opportunity for all members to engage in training and virtual meetings.

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications explained that despite reasonable efforts to contact Councillor Gavin Williams (for the Penrhiwceiber Electoral ward), the Member had not attended a meeting for a six month period (the last attended meeting of the Council on the 4th March 2020) with no reason for his non-attendance approved by Council within that period.

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

The Director of Finance and Digital Services referred Members to his report which provided them with information on the final local government settlement for 2021/22 and set out the recommendations of the Cabinet with regard to the Council’s Revenue Budget and the level of Council Tax for the year ending 31^st March 2022.

The Director of Finance and Digital Services advised of the “headlines” of the

2021/22 Final Settlement as set out at section 4 of the report and of the settlement for

Rhondda Cynon Taf, which amounts to an increase in funding next year of 3.8% which

is the same as the all Wales average increase. Additional resources in the final costs

included £206M to cover supporting costs and income losses due to the pandemic and

covers the first 6 months of the new year.

The Director explained that the Council’s updated budget requirement for next year

was presented to Council on the 20^th January 2021 which saw a remaining budget gap

of £4.057M. Cabinet have considered their budget strategy options for 2021/22 against

this detail, which is set out from paragraph 7 of the report.

The Director advised of a number of areas identified for additional resource and investment such as extending the Non Domestic Local Relief Scheme, additional resources to further the Councils Carbon and Climate reduction activity, to recruit more graduates and expand the wellbeing programmes and a number of fees and charges are to be frozen next year.

In conclusion, the Director referred Members to the summary of the budget strategy proposals set out at table 1 at section 10 of the report with the remaining budget gap of £711,000 which can be balanced by an allocation from the already replenished transition funding, resulting in a proposed balanced budget for next year of £527.903M.

There followed discussion from the Group Leaders who acknowledged the levels of engagement for the consultation process in relation to the Council budget and a number of queries such as the grant relating to sanitary products to schools, Covid related costs which Welsh Government have continued to fund Local Government in Wales for all costs and income losses which at the end of Quarter 3 will rise to £46M estimate for the full year.

It was RESOLVED to:

1.     Note the written statement from the Minister for Housing and Local Government (Julie James MS) and the table on the 2021/22 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 increase for 2021/22 of 2.65%;

4.     Agree the uplift to the aggregate Schools Budget as detailed at section 8;

5.     Agree the budget strategy proposals as set out at paragraphs 10.3(a) to 10.3(i);

6.     Agree the use of the ‘Medium Term Financial Planning & Service Transformation Reserve’ as transition funding, totalling £0.711M for 2021/22;

7.     Approve Tables 3 and 4 in Section 13 of the report as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

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

In his report the Director of Finance & Digital Services provided Members with details of the calculation of the Authority’s Council Tax for the financial year ending 31^st March 2022 prior to passing the necessary statutory resolutions.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to:-

1.     Note the level of the precept from the Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales;

2.     Note the level of the Community Council Precepts, as detailed in Appendix 1;

3.     Pass the formal Council Tax resolutions for the financial year ending 31st March 2022, as contained in Appendix 2; and

4.     Note the comments of the Director of Finance & Digital Services upon robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves as detailed at paragraph 9.2.

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

This report sets out the Council's proposed Capital Programme for 2021/22 to 2023/24, following receipt of the final local government settlement for 2021/22.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to:-

1.    Note the detail of the final 2021/22 local government settlement for capital expenditure, reproduced at Appendix 1;

2.    Agree to the release of the Earmarked Reserve balances as detailed in paragraph 5.3;

3.    Agree to the reallocation of resources as detailed in paragraphs 5.5 – 5.8;

4.    Agree to allocate the funding released from Earmarked Reserves and existing core capital funding to the investment priorities as detailed in paragraph 6.2;

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

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

·       Prudential borrowing to support 21^st Century School Schemes and Highways Improvements schemes;

·       Capital grants for specific schemes;

·       Third party contributions;

·       Additional Council resources previously allocated to support existing schemes and Corporate Plan investment priorities; and

·       The investment priorities detailed in paragraph 6.2, which are funded by additional one off Welsh Government capital funding detailed in paragraph 3.2, the release of Earmarked Reserves as per paragraph 5.3, and reallocation of resource as per paragraphs 5.5 – 5.8.

(Note: The Conservative Group abstained from voting on the matter).

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

The Director of Finance & Digital Services presented his report with the purpose of setting out the Council’s:-

·       Treasury Management Strategy for 2021/22;

·       Investment Strategy for 2021/22;

·       Treasury Indicators for 2020/21 (actuals to date) and 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24; and

·       Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement.

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to approve the Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Indicators and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement as set out in the report.

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

Members were presented with the report of the Director of Finance & Digital Services which set out a high level overview of how capital expenditure, capital financing and treasury management activity contribute to the provision of Council services along with an overview of the associated risk, its management and the implications for future financial sustainability.

Following discussion it was RESOLVED to approve the Capital Strategy report incorporating the Prudential Indicators.

(Note: The Conservative Group abstained from voting on the matter)

To receive the Joint Report of the Director of Human Resources and Director of Legal Services.

In accordance with Section 38(1) of the Localism Act, 2011, the Director, Human Resources provided Members with information in respect of the Council’s 2021/22 Pay Policy Statement.

Following discussion and assurance that the Exit Cap has been disapplied, Members RESOLVED to approve the Pay Policy Statement as attached at Appendix A of the report.   

To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors L. M. Adams, S. Bradwick, D. R. Bevan, H Boggis, J. Bonetto, 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, 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. 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 COVID-19 global pandemic has been exceptionally difficult for businesses, with many across our nation, the U.K. and beyond having to close as the world looks to control the spread of the virus and keep people safe.  This has naturally had a detrimental impact on those who work in the affected sectors, with millions across the U.K. placed on furlough and many others sadly losing their jobs.  In light of this unprecedented situation, now is not the time for disputes over pay and conditions.

This Council notes the on-going dispute between British Gas (and their parent company Centrica) and their hardworking employees – who have been threatened with job losses if they do not accept worse pay and conditions.

Due to the strike action supported by the overwhelming majority of staff and engineers, over 100,000 customers have been left waiting for service, and this number is set to grow over the coming weeks throughout the winter.

This dispute is an unnecessary disruption, with Centrica posting a considerable profit of £901m in 2019 (before exceptional items and tax), whilst the profitability of the home heating business in the UK rose by 27% in the first 6 months of 2020 with a considerable proportion working from home due to the pandemic.

This Council notes:

·       The valuable work undertaken by staff and engineers to keep British homes warm – with workers often having to go to people’s homes during the pandemic to ensure that they have access to warmth and comfortable living.

·       The unjustified actions and threats made by Centrica to British Gas employees – particularly given the recent financial position of the company.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·       Request that the Council Leader writes to Centrica to outline this Council’s support for local British Gas workers.

***