Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Presiding Member welcomed everyone to the virtual Council meeting.

To receive disclosures of personal interests from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest;and

2.     Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when theyleave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declarations were made pertaining to the agenda:

Item 5.    Members' Questions

County Borough Councillor K Johnson – Personal – “I am an employee of Transport for Wales”

County Borough Councillor J Brencher – Personal- “ My son works for Transport for Wales”

Item 7.    WELSH CHURCH ACT FUND ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23

County Borough Councillor W Lewis –Personal - “ I am a Director of E Siop Fach Zero and my daughter-in-law works for Home Rescue, both are mentioned in the report”.

County Borough Councillor W Treeby –Personal -  “I sit on cthe Nos Galan Committee that receives money from the Welsh Church Act Fund”

Councillor M Maohoub –Personal - “I am a member of Nos Galan committee that receives funding form the Welsh Church Act Fund”

County Borough Councillor D Grehan –Personal- “ I am Treasurer for Friends of Tyn Y Bryn Park which is named in the report”

County Borough Councillor G Jones- Personal – “I am Chair of the Trecynon Free Library & Institute, which receives funding from the Welsh Church Act Fund”

County Borough Councillor D Owen-Jones –Personal- “Tyn Y Bryn Park is mentioned in the Welsh Church Act Fund report”

County Borough Councillor A Crimmings –Personal -  “I am involved in an organisation that is a recipient of funding from the Welsh Church Act”.

County Borough Councillor S Rees – “I am involved in an organisation that is a recipient of funding from the Welsh Church Act”.

County Borough Councillor A Morgan- Personal  –“I sit on the Dan-Y-Las Environmental Building Committee, Dan-Y-Las Environmental Group and the Fernhill and Glenboi Community Centre and the Nos Galan Committee, all of which have benefitted from the Welsh Church Act Fund”.

County Borough Councillor L Tomkinson –Personal - “I am involved in an organisation that receives funding from the Welsh Church Act”

County Borough Councillor M Norris-Personal - “I am on the board of a community group that is referred to within the report”

County Borough Councillor A S Fox –Personal -  “I am Chair and Trustee of Penrhiwceiber Lee Gardens Pool Committee and Treasurer of St Winifred’s Church Penrhiwceiber both of which have received Welsh Church Act funding”

County Borough Councillor M Webber –Personal -  “A Group I Chair is a recipient of the Welsh Church Act Fund”

County Borough Councillor R Lewis – Personal – “Cylch Meithrin Seren Fach is on the same site as YGG Abercynon of which I am a Governor”

(Further declarations of personal interest were later declared (Minute No’s. 84/89 refers)

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

County Borough Councillor S Bradwick – Personal- “I am chair of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Committee”

County Borough Councillor A Roberts – Personal- “I sit on the South Wales Fire & Rescue Committee”

County Borough Councillor G Holmes – Personal- “I sit on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the virtual Council Meeting held on the 29^th November 2023.

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 29 November 2023 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

The following announcements were made:

Ø  Councillor M Webber paid tribute to the late Mr Dennis Gethin who had passed away in November 2023. Mr Gethin was Chief Executive of Taff Ely Borough Council from 1982 until his retirement in 1996 and was former Welsh Rugby Union President. She extended her sympathy to his family on behalf of the Council.

Ø  Councillor D R Bevan wished to pay tribute to JPR Williams, former Wales & British & Irish Lions player who sadly passed away on the 8^th December 2023.He shared fond memories of the rugby star who will be sadly missed.

Ø  Councillor M Ashford announced he would be running the London Marathon in April and raising money for Macmillan.

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.)

1.   Question from County Borough Councillor G. Stacey to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:

“Can the Leader update Members on the work and preparations to welcome the National Eisteddfod to Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2024?”

Response of Councillor A. Morgan OBE

The Leader responded that a School strategy has been created and circulated to all schools, with input from the Eisteddfod team. General info about Eisteddfod also still being circulated to parents/guardians to ensure all children and young people and their families can participate and fully understand what Eisteddfod is. He added that Officers continue to support local appeal committees in each valley to raise money towards the £400k target. He confirmed that the current total is likely to have surpassed £100k with further fundraising events planned.

The Leader advised that the ‘Let’s Talk Eisteddfod’ feedback has been crucial with engagement with local businesses and a meeting held recently involving Council Officers and the local traders, the Chief Executive of the Eisteddfod. At the meeting traders showed an interest in having a stand at the event as well as decorating their businesses in advance of the Eisteddfod. Liaison with Pontypridd Town Council, as well as with the Pontypridd, Aberdare and Treorchy BIDs to gather feedback on the support local businesses would like in the lead up the Eisteddfod.

The Leader referred to the benefits of the Eisteddfod coming to Pontypridd extending to beyond the town to other areas within the region and the whole of Wales having a longer lasting legacy. He commented that the car parking strategy is being developed, encouraging visitors to use Park and Ride and public transport with increased train frequency and discouraging the use of cars in the town. He also referred to the number of  Caravan/camping sites which are being identified and developed over recent months.

The Leader commented that work is being undertaken behind the scenes which is heavily led by the Eisteddfod Board with local input from the Council. The team approach with businesses, other local organisations, and the Council has been positive and will continue. The Leader commented that the Eisteddfod is for everybody to attend and enjoy and an opportunity for the Welsh language, Welsh culture and the town of Pontypridd to shine.

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

“Will the Cabinet Member provide an update on the progress of the new school for Pontyclun Primary?”

Response of Councillor R. Lewis:

Councillor Lewis advised that works are progressing well on site to redevelop Pontyclun Primary School and deliver a new school building, and external facilities for the community. He added that Morgan Sindall Construction are advising that the new net zero carbon in operation school is on target for its scheduled opening date in early 2025. Following the opening of the new building, the remaining existing school buildings will be demolished to facilitate the construction  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication advised that representatives of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal (CCRCD) would be in attendance at the February Council meeting to provide an update on the inception and transition of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal (CCRCD) into the CJC. He also advised that the Leader’s Debate ( State of the County Borough Debate) would now take place in the Council meeting to be held in April.

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication confirmed the attendance of the Cwm Taf University Health Board at the Council meeting scheduled for the 6^th March 2023 (in advance of the 5pm meeting). He also advised that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Council scheduled for the 22nd May 2024 will now take place at the earlier date of the 8th May 2024 at 4pm.

In conclusion, the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication confirmed that there would be an induction opportunity for all Members to attend and view the new facilities at Llys Cadwyn in Pontypridd. With regards to hybrid meetings, these would be undertaken on an incremental basis with a view to the next Council meeting in February to be held virtually and the meeting in March as a hybrid meeting.

To provide Members with information in respect of the 2024/2025 Provisional Local Government Settlement.

The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital And Frontline Services provided Members with information in respect of the 2024/25 Provisional Local Government Settlement, and initial comments on its likely implications for the delivery of Council services.

Ø  Members were advised of the “headlines” of the Provisional 2024/25 Settlement which were set out in the report as:

Ø  The overall increase in Revenue Support Grant (RSG) and Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) funding for 2024/25 (of unhypothecated funding) at an all Wales level, after adjusting for transfers is 3.1% (+£169.8M).

Ø  The settlement for Rhondda Cynon Taf, amounts to an increase of 2.8% which is below the average all Wales increase. Settlement figures across Wales range from 2.0% to 4.7%.

Ø  A funding ‘floor’ protection has been included for 2024/25 so that no Council receives a settlement below 2.0%.

Ø  There are no transfers into / out of the Settlement for 2024/25.

Ø  The Settlement provides no indication of future year settlement levels.

Ø  Provisional figures and indicative estimates for 2024/25 are also included for specific grants, at an all Wales level. The Social Care Workforce Grant will reduce from £45M to £35M (all Wales level), a reduction of £0.815M for this Council. This funds our core base budget.

Ø  The Council’s General Capital Funding allocation is reduced by £0.086M  to £13.800M

The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital And Frontline Services commented that the combined effects of the means the Council has a budget gap of £36.654m which in preparing for the settlement officers have agreed to budget reduction measures in the region of £10.74m leaving a remaining budget gap of £25.911m. Members were informed that it will now be for the Cabinet to consider the implications of the above scenario in the preparation of its draft budget strategy. As part of this, consideration will be given to the outcome of the first phase of the budget consultation process

In summing up The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services concluded that Council Reserves ensure the long term sustainability and are set aside for specific purposes and financial risks. He continued that the Council has an excellent record of using these sensibly and proportionately and should not be used to deal with underlying base budget revenue issues.

The Leader thanked officers for the comprehensive report. He commented that the forthcoming year will be extremely challenging and will continue to be challenging year on year as the council faces ongoing pressures. He continued that no officer or Member wants to cut or reduce services knowing that our communities need investment but with the Local Government settlement at 2.8% tough decisions need to be taken to set a balanced budget. The Leader commented that whilst the Council will need to use reserves to close the budget gap, it is important that they are carefully considered before a decision on their use is taken as these are used year on year for long lasting investment into our  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

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

In his report the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital And Frontline Services advised that the report provides Council with the Audited accounts of the Welsh Church Act Fund and of the External Audit opinion which is an unqualified, clean opinion with the Audit process requiring a minor disclosure amendment only.  He sought approval of the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Welsh Church Act Fund for the financial year ended 31st March 2023. 

Following the completion of the audit process and an unqualified audit opinion; and it was RESOLVED to:

1.  Consider the External Auditor report – “2022- 23 Audit Plan” (Appendix 1);  (b) Consider the External Auditor report – “Audit of Accounts Report” (Appendix 2);

2.  Approve and note the Welsh Church Act Fund Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial year 2022/2023 (Appendix 3); and

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

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

The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services advised that the report represents the annual requirement for Council to adopt a council tax reduction scheme (CTRS) by 31st January 2024. He added that it is a national Welsh Government scheme with a small number of local discretions as set out in the report. He confirmed that there are no changes proposed to the scheme for the next financial year confirmed that the Council has consulted on the local discretions as part of the Council’s general budget consultation process and the feedback included in the report.

A Member noted that at section 4.3 of the report it states that the majority of respondents are in favour of keeping the three discretions but at section 5.4 of the report information is provided that residents were not given at the time of consultation which is the total number of persons that has benefitted from these discretions.  The Member asked if the information for the number of take up of these discretions can be included in the consultation next year so that residents can make a more informed judgement.  The Member also asked if it were possible for the existence of the discretions can be mentioned in the letter that accompanies the Annual Council Tax bill

The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services noted the Members comments for consideration

Following conclusion of discussions, it was RESOLVED to:

1.     Note and adopt the provisions of the Prescribed Requirements Regulations and the amendments made to those regulations by the Amendment Regulations as the Council’s local CTRS for 2024/25, subject to the local discretions that the Council is able to exercise and subject to the regulations being approved by Welsh Government on 16th January 2024 and coming into force on 19th January 2024;

2.     Note the outcome of the consultation exercise undertaken by the Council on the local discretions applicable to the CTRS for 2024/25; and

3.  Confirm the discretions applicable to the Council’s local CTRS for 2024/25 as set out at paragraph 5.3 (Table 2) of this report.

To receive the report of the Director of Prosperity & Development.

The Director of Prosperity and Development presented a report to Members which set out the Preferred Strategy for the Revised Local Development Plan (RLDP) 2022 – 2037, (shown in full at Appendix 1.) The report sought Members approval to carry out statutory public consultation on the RLDP Preferred Strategy that has been prepared in accordance with legislation and national planning policy.

The Director continued that the report sets out the key Issues, Vision, Objectives and strategy options; before presenting a Preferred Strategy. At this strategic level, it will seek to address the needs of RCT by proposing levels of development growth and where this should be spatially distributed across the County Borough. It is considered that several key elements of the current LDP strategy are sound; particularly a need to continue with the different strategy approach for the north and south of the County Borough.

The Leader thanked the officers for the report which is now proposed to move to the next stage for statutory consultation. He advised that feedback from the consultation will then be considered before progressing through to the next stages. He commented that whilst the targets for housebuilding are realistic, there is a need to ensure that infrastructure is planned alongside this to ensure medical facilities, schools and sufficient green spaces for leisure and play are available as well as the expansion to the South Wales Metro

The Leader of the Opposition sought clarity around candidate sites, urged all members to input into the candidate sites to avoid contentious issues going forward when planning applications are received. The Member referred to the two train stations mentioned in the LDP at Hirwaun and Rhigos and asked for the exact location of these stations and asked if there would be consultation with local residents. 

The Director of Prosperity and Development advised that he could not confirm the location of the stations at present and the role of the LDP will be to protect available land for the proposed line extension and stations but the process of determining where those will be will be a separate exercise carried out by Transport colleagues including Highways and Transport for Wales.

The Leader of the RCT Independent Group asked if there is opportunity for the Council to engage with residents on flood mitigation matters. The Member also raised concerns that the proposed 9,000 extra properties to be built will be served by a single carriageway and with the roads already congested this would result in a huge increase in congestion in and around the area. He asked if alternative options are being considered in the Active travel plan encourage residents to leave their cars at home and use public transport. He also commented that as part of reducing the amount of traffic on the roads and with the relocation of the Council’s Head Office to Pontypridd, whether a flexible approach to staff required to attend the office should also be considered so they attend only when necessary

The Director of Prosperity and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

To receive the report of the Director of Legal & Democratic Services.

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services (and Electoral Registration / Returning Officer) presented his report and advised of the requirement on the local authority to undertake a review every five years of parliamentary polling districts, places and stations and to complete the current review by the 31^st January 2025. In view of the recent UK Parliamentary constituency boundary changes it was considered prudent to undertake the review as soon as possible and in advance of the next general election.

The Director advised that the aims, purpose and timeline of the review are set out in section 5 of the report and the consultation exercise undertaken with the public and key stakeholders, including Local Members. The public responses to the consultation exercise are set out in Appendix 2 to the report. All consultation responses and Member submissions have been reviewed by the Returning Officer and Electoral Services team and the Director referred Members to the recommendations to approve the proposals to amend any existing polling districts, places and stations as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report and that any consequential changes will be implemented to the register of electors.

The Director pointed out that there is one polling district where a suitable location for the polling station has not been achieved as yet but he added that work will continue in conjunction with the local member to find a suitable location ahead of the next election.

In conclusion, the Director advised that he will continue to monitor all polling districts, places and stations, particularly those being used for the first time in advance of the up and coming Police & Crime Commissioner elections in May. He assured Members that should any station become unavailable or deemed to be unsuitable, for whatever reason, between the statutory review periods, any changes will be made in consultation with the local Members.

Following discussion it was RESOLVED to:

1. Note the responses received in relation to the Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations Review which are summarised at Appendix 2to the report;

2. Approve the proposals to amend existing Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations as outlined in Appendix 1of the report and notes that the Electoral Registration Officer would implement any consequential changes to the register of electors; and

3. Note that the Returning Officer will continue to monitor Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations as outlined in Appendix 1 and/or where no suitable alternative venue is available at any relevant time note any changes would be made in consultation with the relevant Local Member(s).

To receive the report of the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive presented his report which set out the Council’s draft Annual Self-Assessment for 2022/23 following its consideration at the Governance and Audit Committee on the 19 December 2023 and the Joint Consultative Committee on 20^th December 2023 (the minutes from both committees being included in the appendices for Members’ reference).

The Chief Executive advised that the purpose of the statutory Self -Assessment is to provide assurance that the Council is exercising its functions effectively, using its resources efficiently and economically and ensuring its governance arrangements are effective. In undertaking the annual self-assessment, the Council is discharging its duty to do so under the Local Government Elections Wales Act 2021.

The Chief Executive commented that this is the second year the Council has undertaken its statutory self-assessment which incorporates its annual corporate performance report. He added that the assessment brings together a wealth of information used to keep the Council’s performance under review, including the progress made against the themes for improvement identified in the previous year, how the priorities have been delivered in the corporate plan, an assessment of the Council’s corporate functions, the self-evaluation of council services and how the sustainable development principle has been applied.

The Chief Executive advised that the assessment brings together a huge amount of evidence from across the Council, gathered through its performance management framework and quarterly reports and the many reports brought together from Cabinet, Scrutiny Committees and Council meetings, which have been considered by Members throughout the year. It represents thousands of pages of information and throughout the assessment hyperlinks are available to the supporting evidence and data.

The Chief Executive commented that the report demonstrates the remarkable diversity of Council functions, the scale and scope of the services it delivers, and the considerable progress made in delivering its commitments throughout 2022/2023. He advised that sections 2 and 3 of the self-assessment provide an overview of the many commitments that have been met during this period. The Chief Executive stated that, across the themes of people, places and prosperity, he is satisfied through the self-assessment and via the challenge sessions he has held with the relevant Directors, that the Council has made good progress during the year, and in simple terms, this is a Council that delivers on its commitments.

In terms of priorities for improvement going forward, the Chief Executive advised That the nine themes were identified in the self-assessment for the preceding year (listed in paragraph 5.61 of the report) good progress has been made as described in section one of the assessment but they remain long term priorities for the Council. The Chief Executive commented that in addition, following the self-assessment exercise, the Council must continue to strengthen its arrangements for service user engagement and participation, including the evaluation of outcomes, and to build on the work carried out by the Council to strengthen the organisational culture in respect of diversity, equality and inclusion. The self-assessment includes evidence that the Council is well run, but the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

To consider the Notices of Motion which have been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1 of the Constitution.

To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors A. J. Dennis, C. Preedy, 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, V. Dunn, E. L. Dunning, J. Edwards, 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, S. Rees, A. Roberts, J. Smith, G. Stacey, L. A. Tomkinson, W. Treeby, J. Turner, G. L. Warren, K. Webb, M. Webber, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams, R. Yeo.

A few months ago, it was announced that TATA Steel – a major employer in South Wales (in particular), and the U.K. Westminster Government had agreed a package of support to “secure the future of Welsh steel.”

Despite the overall package amounting to a headline-grabbing £1.25bn, the reality is that the package and transition ambitions have fallen well short and the announcement amounts to little more than a sticking plaster for the continued production of steel in Wales.

The investment onlysupports the transition from blast furnaces to Electric Arc Furnaces, which will mean that the site at nearby Port Talbot will no longer have the ability to produce primary steel as the quality and grade of production will not be up to the necessary standard due to the fact that Electric Arc Furnaces recycle scrap steel.

This short-sighted investment plan should instead have focussed and made provisions for a transition to the Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) method of production.  DRI can be supported by the use of Natural Gas before opening up the possibility of Hydrogen-powered steel production, which is a more sustainable method of steel production and considerably more ambitious in terms of decarbonisation.

In addition, and most importantly, the investment package is also estimated to lead to 3,000 job losses, with the majority of those coming from the Port Talbot plant.  There are RCT residents working at the steel works in Port Talbot and it is likely that a significant proportion of that number will be affected – either directly or indirectly.

Since the announcement, it has emerged that neither the Trade Unions nor the Welsh Government formed any part of these discussions, yet they are the very organisations who will have to pick up the pieces and provide support to those affected when these anticipated job losses occur.

      This Council therefore notes:

·         That the “investment package” for TATA Steel falls well short of what is required and does little to secure the future of the industry in Wales.

·         That the U.K. Government’s bilateral dealings with TATA have no regard for the significant workforce impact that will form part of the expected job losses.

·         That the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.