Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Presiding Member welcomed Members to the hybrid Council meeting in the Council Headquarters, Llys Cadwyn, Pontypridd.

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:

Elected Members Personal Interests in respect ofAgenda Item 2 – Cwm Taf University Health Board

Councillor K Johnson – “My wife works for Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor M Norris – “My niece is an employee of Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor R Lewis – “I have a close family member who works for the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor G Caple – “My son is a doctor employed by the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor Sheryl Evans – “My daughter works for the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor S Morgans – “My daughter is a nurse at the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor R Yeo –“ My wife works for the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor A Crimmings -  “I have a close family member who works for the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor G Hopkins – “ I am an independent member of the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor S J Davies – “I am an employee of the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor C Middle – “I have a family member who works for the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor S Bradwick – “I have a close family member who works for the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor A Ellis – “Both my daughter and daughter-in-law are employed by the Cwm Taf University Health Board”

Councillor S Trask -  “My wife is employed by Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB”

Elected Members Personal Interests in respect ofAgenda Item 6 – Members’ Questions

Councillor K Johnson- “I am an employee of Transport For Wales Rail Services”

Elected Members Personal Interests in respect ofAgenda Item 8 – The Council’s Draft Corporate Plan 2024-2030

Councillor Sera Evans – “My employer is mentioned at agenda item 8”

Councillor J Edwards – “My employer is mentioned at agenda item 8”

Elected Members Personal Interests in respect ofAgenda Item 10 – Review of Community Arrangements for RCT                                                                                

Councillor J Brencher – “I am a member of Pontypridd Town Council”

Councillor L Tomkinson – “I am a member of Pontypridd Town Council”

Councillor D Wood - “I am a member of Pontypridd Town Council”

Councillor C Lisles - “I am a member of Pontypridd Town Council”

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

Councillor P Evans - “I am a member of Ynysybwl & Coed Y Cwm Community Council”

Councillor G Hopkins -  “I am clerk for Llantrisant Community Council”

Councillor J Barton -  “I am a member of Llantrisant Community Council”

Councillor D Evans - “ I am a member of Llanharan Community Council”

Councillor G Stacey -   “I am a member of Llantwit Fardre Community Council”

Councillor K Johnson - “I am a member of Llantwit Fardre Community Council”

Councillor S Trask - “I am a member of Llantwit Fardre Community Council”  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.

To receive representatives from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, providing Members with opportunity for discussion and updates in respect of strategic issues such as workforce planning and winter pressures.

The Presiding Member introduced the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board representatives and advised Members that they will be covering items as indicated on the agenda. The Presiding Member advised that any further questions should be addressed to the Cwm Taf University Health Board for a response via the Council’s Democratic Services.

The Chairman of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Mr Jonathan Morgan, introduced himself and two members of the Executive team, Mr P Mears, Chief Executive and Mr Gethin Hughes, Chief Operating Officer.

Through the aid of PowerPoint slides the representatives of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board presented an overview of key matters under the following headings:

•       Continued focus on quality and safety of services across the Health Board

•       Developing our Population Health Management focus

•       Delivery of a financially balanced plan

•       Key strategic investments – PCH, LHP, Breast, Digital

•       Delayed Transfers of Care (DTOC)

•       Waiting time performance improvements

•       SE Wales regional programmes – collaborating with neighbouring HBs

•       National and HB digital development programmes

•       Primary Care access improvement inc. Navigation Hub

•       Llantrisant Health Park

The Leader of the Council thanked members of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board for their presentation and attendance at the Council meeting.  He added that he meets regularly with the representatives of the CTMUHB and acknowledged that the direction of travel is much improved. However, the Leader referred to the continuing backlog of elective surgery (which now stands at 2,000 people having waited for two years) which is difficult and frustrating for those residents in pain and waiting for surgery.

The Leader commented that the Council continues to challenge the CTMUHB on many areas. He referred to the delay with the Llantrisant Health Park and acknowledged the lengthy process and he looked forward to having the regional hub up and running as soon as possible.

The Leader commented on Primary Care which is an area which remains under pressure and which needs targeting. The lack of available GP appointments for residents he acknowledged is frustrating and difficult for many more vulnerable residents. The Leader also referred to the number of delayed discharges from hospital and the pressures that are now year around in this particular area. The Leader referred to the All Wales Care Committee with Welsh Government which the local authority attend and the joint work that the local authority and the Health Board undertake to address the issues of delayed discharges from hospital. The Leader commented on the high number of individual cases at a national and regional level where the reasons for the delays in hospital discharges are both complex and challenging. He assured Members that the local authority and Health Board are working jointly to address and concluded that things have improved compared to four or five years ago.                                                                     

The Deputy Opposition Leader commented on the figures within the Council’s Draft Corporate Plan and particularly to the hyperlinks within the plan to the Healthy Weight Wales Strategy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.

To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the hybrid Council Meeting held on 6^th March 2024.

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid meeting held on the 6^th March 2024 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

The following announcements were made:

• The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor M Webber donated a cheque for the sum of £2,000 to the Royal British Legion. Mr Richards, Chairman of the Pontypridd Royal British Legion, was present to accept the cheque and extend his thanks to Council for their support

• Councillor S Bradwick wished to announce that the Ty Mynydd Food Growing Project have won an award with Clas Cymru for the best managed green space in South-East Wales. He praised the residents for their efforts in transforming the green spaces in their community.

• Councillor J Edwards announced that an explorer Scout from Rhondda Cynon Taf, Callum Smith from Porth, was among the winners at this year’s St David Awards, which recognise people who have done extraordinary things. Councillor Edwards praised Callum who won the award for bravery.

• Councillor M Ashford announced that he had completed the London Marathon on 21st April 2024 and had raised nearly £800 for the charity Macmillan. He wished to thank Council Members and members of Pontyclun Road Runners for their support.

·        Councillor K Johnson announced that in February his ward celebrated ‘Defibruary’, raising awareness for CPR training. He wished to extend his thanks to thank Calon Hearts, the Welsh Ambulance Service and St Johns Ambulance Service for conducting the training.

• The Deputy Leader announced the sad passing of former Councillor Emlyn Jenkins. Former Councillor Jenkins represented the Pentre ward and was Mayor for RCTCBC from 2005-2006.  He was also a former member of Rhondda Borough Council. Councillor Webber spoke fondly of Councillor Jenkins and extended her condolences to his wife and family at this difficult time.

·       The Presiding Member led Council in a minute’s silence in memory of former Councillor Emlyn Jenkins

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 J. Brencher to the Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, County Borough Councillor M. A. Norris:

“Could the Cabinet Member give an update on regeneration projects in Pontypridd?”

Response of Councillor M Norris:

Councillor Norris advised that significant progress is being made in the delivery of regeneration projects as part of the Pontypridd Placemaking Plan – particularly at the Muni and the Southern Gateway Area. He explained that work at the Muni started on site in September 2023 with conservation and repair of the building, refurbishment of auditorium, remodelling of entrance foyer, bar and mezzanine, installation of new public lifts, WCs, dressing rooms and a dedicated  changing area. 

Councillor Norris provided an update on progress of the installation of new solar electricity panels, stonework repairs on the tower, and exterior stonework cleaning. He added that the work continues in partnership with Awen, who will operate the venue once redevelopment work has been completed, in time for the National Eisteddfod with a full programme of events.

Councillor Norris also provided an overview of the Bingo Hall where the site redevelopment is well underway to be completed by this summer, with significant progress since its commencement in February 2024. Councillor Norris provided an overview progress with a new bus layby, a new public realm space, widened pedestrian footpaths for disabled access, and sustainable drainage features.

Councillor Norris acknowledged the issues relating to traffic management whilst the work is being undertaken and he thanked residents for their patience during this time. He continued to outline the progress with the contractors implementing drainage systems, completing ducting and chamber installations at the main site and splitter island, establishing foundations for new concrete structures and footpaths, and continuing to install planters and steps. He advised that the redevelopment of this site would be completed this summer.

With regards to the Marks and Spencer/Dorothy Perkins Site, Councillor Norris advised that the vacant properties have been demolished and the demolition contractor, Walters, is due to vacate the site by the end of the month.  The site will be secured with visual hoarding, including viewing panels with information about what to see and do in Pontypridd. He added that Officers have been working with a Multi-Disciplinary Team to develop the Phase 2 redevelopment proposals for the site.

In conclusion, Councillor Norris highlighted the development of the Tesco Block of Buildings in Taff Street and advised that the improvements are due to be completed this Summer and fit in with the rest of the area. He added that a contractor has been appointed with site mobilisation to begin at the end of this month. Councillor Norris advised that the improvements include mprovements: roof repairs, canopy repairs, cladding renewal, rendering of the buildings, and shop front improvements to certain properties.

Councillor Norris advised that scaffolding will be in place, particularly for access during roofing works at the front of Taff Street properties. Disruption to the occupied shops will be kept to a minimum and access will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication advised that this would be the last Council meeting before the 29^th Annual General Meeting of the Council, which will be held on the 8^th May 2024, there is no substantive changes to the current work programme. He added that details of the business of the Council AGM will be shared with Group Leaders following discussion with the Presiding Member, in advance of their publication.

The Service Director advised that at the first council meeting of the new municipal year, to be held in June 2024, the substantive work programme for the new municipal year will be presented for Members’ consideration.

In accordance with Rule 13 of the Council’s Procedure Rules (Part 4 of the Council’s Constitution) to engage in the Leader’s debate.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2 the Presiding Member 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 advised that this year’s Debate is once again situated in the context of significant financial pressures facing local authorities and the public sector. He commented that Members are well aware of the scale of these difficulties, having closed a budget gap that was almost one and a half times as big as the gaps the Council faced at the height of austerity. Despite these challenges, the Leader was pleased to announce that the Council has continued to be ambitious, delivering projects across its services in line with the priorities outlined in the Council’s Corporate Plan, focussing on the themes of People, Place and Prosperity.

The Leader advised that next month, he would have been Leader of the Council for ten years and was proud of the many achievements the Council had achieved during that time, despite contending with austerity, the worst flooding for a generation, the COVID-19 pandemic & the return of what feels like austerity due to the economic situation. The Leader referred to the future Corporate Plan, which Members would consider later during the meeting, which will help shape the Council’s priorities going forward for its duration.

The Leader acknowledged the pressures that residents are also facing such as the Cost of Living Crisis, which is still on-going and impacting household finances, particularly for the most vulnerable. He referred to the desperate need of a General Election which he hoped would bring about a change of government in Westminster to not only bring about a more compassionate form of politics that recognises the pressures normal people and public services are facing; but also understands & doesn’t crash the economy.

The leader outlined some of the key figures which demonstrate how the Council has supported those residents struggling with the Cost of Living crisis:

Cost Of LivingCrisis

The Leader advised that the Council continues to work with 3^rd sector and voluntary sector partners to support those in need via the Council’s seven Community Resilience Hubs. The total number of residents requesting support amounted to 1,236 with 76.5% who reported cost of living related difficulties and pressures. A total of 897 residents contacted the Council in need of food support. He added that since the Cost of Living Support Package was launched, the Council has issued 324 Emergency Supermarket vouchers and 38 Fuel Vouchers and also providing thousands in food support vouchers to support families. The Leader explained that there has been a significant increase of 34.6% in referrals since 2023 to now which included shopping and emergency food support, and information and money and/or benefit guidance.

The Council has supported four main Trussell foodbanks with £40k funding and twenty four local community groups have received over £20k of direct food support. Eighty six Winter Welcome Centres opened longer and provided a warm place, support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive.

TheChief Executive presented the Council’s final draft of the Council’s new Corporate Plan for 2024-30 following an engagement and consultation exercise as the Council’s current Corporate Plan, ‘Making a Difference’, comes to an end, having provided a vision and strategic framework within which the Council has consistently and successfully delivered its priorities. He advised that in developing a new corporate plan, the senior leadership team have been mindful of the developments and extraordinary events that have taken place over recent years that required a refocus of priorities for the coming period.

The Chief Executive commented on the extraordinary events which have taken place over recent years including the impact of the Covid pandemic and Storm Dennis. He added that the Council’s recovery from the Pandemic continues, in particular the work to address the adverse impact on children and young people, the Council is actively responding to the impact on communities from climate change and flooding, tackling significant industrial legacy such as tip safety, providing support for its most vulnerable residents from the cost of living crisis. It is actively responding to the increasing demand and complexity of need presenting across social care and housing. The significant and ongoing capital investment the Council has made across its communities has had a visible and positive impact on highways infrastructure, town centres and schools and the Council continues to respond in a robust and responsible manner to the unprecedented financial challenges it continues to face. These priorities and many more are reflected in the new draft corporate plan, working with our communities.

The Chief Executive advised that Members will recognise a great deal of what is in the plan as the Council continues to deliver and to improve its core services and meets it statutory responsibilities. He drew Members’ attention to some significant changes within the new draft Corporate Plan such as the proposal that the new plan has four themes or Wellbeing objectives as follows:

People and Communities - Supporting and empowering our residents and communities to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. Work and Business - Helping to strengthen and grow the economy. Nature and the Environment - A green and clean RCT that improves and protects our environment and nature.

Culture, Heritage and Welsh Language - Recognising and celebrating our past, present and future.

The Chief Executive commented that the four well-being objectives will provide a closer alignment with the four pillars of sustainable development and the requirements of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act. In addition, the Chief Executive highlighted further changes such as the Council’s proactive approach to responding to climate change has now been embedded throughout the plan instead of a stand-alone strategy. There is a focus on the Council’s role in tackling health inequalities and poverty, with explicit reference to tackling child poverty. There is a clear articulation around the commitment to a well-run council and a continuing and strengthened commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion both within the council and across RCT.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 119.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Legal & Democratic Services and Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication.

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication presented the joint report in respect of the political balance of the Council following the reduction in membership of the ‘RCT Independent Group’ to three members, the resulting increase in membership of the ‘Independent Group’ with three members resulting in two Groups of equal membership.

The Service Director outlined section three of the report which set out the outcome of the review of the Council’s political balance and the seats available for appointment by the respective Groups (set out in tables A and B within the Appendix to the report). The Service Director set out the specific arrangements in relation to the current change in representation upon the Council’s Planning & Development Committee, with a reduction in Labour Group representation to 8, to enable representation by the two independent Groups. A change in representation upon the Council’s Scrutiny Committees, with a reduction in Plaid Cymru representation to 1, as a consequence of the formation of a new Independent Group.

The Service Director added that the RCT Independent Group will continue to be represented on the Licensing Committee, with the Independent Group now being represented on the Constitution Committee.

With regards to section 4 of the report, the Service Director set out the arrangements for the Council’s Scrutiny Committees, whereby the Plaid Cymru Group will lose one seat from each of the four scrutiny committees in favour of the Independent Group (but importantly the amended political balance does not impact on the allocation of the Scrutiny chairs) The Plaid Cymru representative on the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee would be the chair and the Plaid Cymru member of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee would, by default, be the chair of the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee.

In conclusion, the Service Director advised that with regards to 4.7 of the report, the opportunity will be afforded to Members at the Council AGM to review the total membership size of each committee.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the scheme for the allocation of seats to the different political            groups and bodies to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies, as detailed in the Appendix to the report, be adopted;

2.         That the Service Director – Democratic Services & Communication be authorised to make appointments to politically balanced bodies upon receipt of notification of the wishes of the political groups subject to any subsequent requests for amendment of membership of Committees being referred to Council;

  3.       To note that further instruction in respect of any revisions to the allocation of Notices of Motion will be sought at the Council’s Annual General Meeting on 8^th May 2024.

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

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services presented his report which informed Members of the duty to conduct a Community Review, to present the Terms of Reference for this review and seek approval to commence the process, including the establishment of a cross-party working group.

The Director explained that a ‘community’ is the unit of local government that lies below the level of the principal council and, as Members are aware many, but not all, communities have an elected town or community Council. Some communities for electoral purposes are further divided into ‘community wards’. He added that the Council completed its last full Community Review in 2014 and as reviews follow a 10-year cycle a further review is now required.

The Director referred Members to Appendix 2, attached to the report, which set out the Council Size Policy proposed for the conduct of the Community Review. He provided an overview of the Council Size Policy and how it should ensure, as far as is practicable, that the number of electors per councillor is roughly the same across all community and town councils within the Council’s area. At Appendix 3 to the report, the Director explained that the proposed Terms of Reference for conducting the Review sets out the proposed timetable and procedures, provides guidance and sets out the issues that would be considered during the review, including explanations of the Council Size Policy and grouping of communities.

For Members’ information the Director referred to the first stage of the review which is to ask all interested parties to consider the current community boundaries and submit their views on any changes required to create communities that provide for effective and convenient local government. Following this first stage, all submissions will then be considered, and the Council will publish a Draft Proposals Report and will hold a consultation on those proposals. Following consideration, the final proposals will be submitted to the Local and Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales’ (the ‘LDBCW’) and if it thinks fit, will give effect to these recommendations.

The Director summarised the key point to his report before seeking Council’s approval to commence the review process and agree the necessary documentation.

RESOLVED to:

1.              Approve the commencement of a Community Review for Rhondda Cynon Taf;

2.              Note the Council Size Policy, as set out in Appendix 2, that would be applicable to the conduct of the proposed Community Review;

3.              Approve the Terms of Reference for the Community Review as set out in Appendix 3 and notes the indicative timetable set out in the report for conducting the Community Review; and

4.              Establish a cross-party working group to oversee the review, which it is proposed consist of 10 Elected Members (6 Labour, 1 Plaid, 1 RCT Independent, 1 Independent and 1 Conservative) with nominations from Group Leaders to be submitted to the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications. 

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

The Director of Legal & Democratic Services presented the report which sought Council’s consideration of the re-appointment of the Independent Member of the Standards Committee for a further term.

The Director outlined the term of office of one of the Independent Members on the Standards Committee, namely, Mr. David J Bowen, expires on 29^th April 2024. He added that during his term in office, Mr. Bowen has built up considerable experience and in order to maintain continuity on the Standards Committee, Mr. Bowen has agreed, subject to Council approval, to his term of office being extended for a further period of four years.  

Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to re-appoint Mr. David Bowen as an Independent Member of the Standards Committee for a period of four years from30^th April 2024.

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 Notices of Motion which have been submitted, standing in the names of County Borough Councillors:

4.2   A. Morgan, M. Webber, L. Addiscott, M. D. Ashford, J. Barton, D. R. Bevan, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J. Brencher, G. Caple, J. Cook, A. Crimmings, S. J. Davies, R. Davis, A. J. Dennis, V. Dunn, E. L. Dunning, J. 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, N. H. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, D. Parkin, S. Powderhill, C. Preedy, S. Rees, A. Roberts, J. Smith, G. Stacey, L. A. Tomkinson, W. Treeby, J. Turner, G. L. Warren, K. Webb, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams, R. Yeo.

In July 2022, this Council agreed a Notice of Motion that called for the Conservative Westminster Government to fully fund a proper pay rise for Local Government workers.  Since then, funding from Westminster for our struggling public services has continued to follow an unsustainable path that has pushed many services towards the brink.

As part of this, our loyal and integral local government staff have had to increasingly go over and above in order to keep services running.  The protection afforded to Welsh local authorities by the Welsh Government is diminishing as the impact of the massive and sustained funding cuts are now increasingly apparent and very real.

Despite leading the response against the pandemic and the Conservative Westminster Government’s cost of living crisis, local government staff have not been given the recognition they deserve.

Instead, since 2010, local government workers have lost an average of 25% from the value of their pay, framed in the midst of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Over the same period, the cost of living has risen by 60%, more and more local government workers have been pushed into debt, and their basic spending has overtaken their income, with 1 in 5 households having less than £100 to spare each month. This is a terrible situation for anyone to find themselves in.

At the same time, workers have experienced ever-increasing workloads and persistent job insecurity. Across the UK, the local government workforce has fallen by 30% as a result of job cuts. This has had a disproportionate impact on women, with women making up more than three-quarters of the local government workforce.

Local government continues to show how indispensable it is. But staff are increasingly leaving the sector for better paid jobs elsewhere, for example in retail, leaving local authorities with a massive skills gap, and vacancies in a range of key services, including in social care, education and youth services.

Local government finance is in an enormously difficult state, facing an estimated funding gap of more than £3.5 billion for 2024/25.   Here in RCT we are also facing the most difficult period of budget setting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

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