Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Presiding Member welcomed Members and Officers to the Hybrid Council meeting to be held in 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:

Item 10.Council Tax Premiums & Discounts- Long Term Empty Properties and

Second Homes

Councillor K Morgan:

“I declare a prejudicial interest in item 10 – A close family member is affected by the proposed Council Tax Premiums for Long Term Empty Properties- I will leave the meeting when this item is being discussed”

ITEM 11. Notice of Motion

Councillor W Lewis:

“I declare a personal interest in item 11 – I have been a member of the RCT Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Group and have been since 2009”

To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the hybrid Council Meetings held at 4pm and 5pm on the 17^th July 2024.

The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid meetings held on the 17^th July 2024 at 4pm and 5pm as an accurate reflection of both meetings.

The following announcements were made:

Ø  Councillor H Gronow paid his respect to the late, former Councillor Steve Belzak who had sadly passed away. He served his ward of Cilfynydd for 28 years. He thanked Steve Belzak for his dedication to the residents of his ward and passed on his condolences to his family.

The presiding Member led the Council in a minute’s silence in memory of former Councillor Steve Belzak.

Ø  Councillor M Webber announced that Marc Jones, of Democratic Services together with three other cyclists, representing the Pontypridd Branch of the  Royal Welsh Regimental Association, will be cycling from Pontypridd to 's-Hertogenbosch, a distance of over 350 miles over 4 days. Councillor Webber added that this year sees the 80th anniversary of the liberation of 's-Hertogenbosch by the 53rd (Welsh) Division which contained troops from the 5th the Welch Regiment, whose headquarters were in Pontypridd. The citizens of 's-Hertogenbosch have always recognised that they owe their freedom to the troops who fought in the battle over 5 days. In a small act to reinforce the relationship which exists between 's-Hertogenbosch and Wales 4 cyclists will commence their journey on Monday, 21^st October. Members were invited to wish the cyclists well and donate by using the link within the Week Ahead release.

Ø  Councillor W Hughes announced that Osborne Estates, a family run business in Tonypandy, has won numerous awards for their business and has just been awarded the gold medal in the Business of the Year awards . Councillor Hughes asked if a letter of congratulations could be sent to them in view of their achievement.

Ø  Councillor P Binning announced the following sporting achievements from within his ward:

·       Nia Powell from Miskin who, at 17 years old, was selected for the senior Wales Athletics squad for the first time, competing in the high jump at the National Championships held in the Ethiad Stadium;

·       Rosie Morgan, also from Miskin, won the under 10’s Wales National Tennis Championships to add to her under 8’s title she achieved a few years ago. Rosie has been selected by the Lawn Tennis Association to be part of their regional development squad for elite players;

·       Anwen How was called upon to play for the Wales under 15’s girl’s cricket team this summer;

·     Harry Weir, a 12 year old who has lived with a long series of serious kidney problems and is now living with a kidney transplant gained as a result of Harry's Dad donating his own kidney to another person in need, in a swap scheme, was selected for the Wales Men’s Disability Cricket squad this summer. The squad won the British by title winning all seven of their games; Councillor Binning added that all the aforementioned had come through YGG Llantrisant

·       Congratulations to Cor Tadau Trisant, a choir established for all dads young and old at YGG Llantrisant, for being awarded second place in the tenor and bass category at the RCT National Eisteddfod this summer (following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To receive the public question in accordance with the Council’s Open Government

Council Meeting Procedure Rules. 

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications confirmed that one request from the public was received to the Council Business Unit from RCT resident, Mr Lyndon Walker,within the specified period in accordance with the Council’s Open Government Council Meeting Procedure Rules (section 4)and the Council’s Public Participation Strategy. The Service Director added that the Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure, Councillor A Crimmings would respond to Mr Walker’s question. Mr Walker will have the opportunity to pose a supplementary question to which the Cabinet Member will respond:

Question from Mr L Walker to the Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure:

‘Will this council make a statement why footpath 43/2 has been closed for the last 12 months without lawful authority contrary to section 119 of the highways act 1980 public access to the football ground part of Tonteg park has been denied. The decision made by whoever does not comply with the Future Generations Act Wales 2015 especially principals 4 and 5’.

Response from the Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure, Councillor A Crimmings:

Councillor Crimmings thanked Mr Walker for his question and advised that with regard to Tonteg Park, the lease for the football pitch was renewed in August 2018 and included the pitch, stand, and the dugouts.The lease was subsequently subject to an Open Space notice in November 2018 with advertisements being placed in the Pontypridd Observer in November and December as well as media Wales.

Councillor Crimmings added that unfortunately, at the time of the lease Officers did not identify the Public Right of Way, namely Public Footpath 43 Llantwit Fardre crossing the football pitch. Subsequent enquiries raised by members of the public resulted in the relevant Council departments reviewing the situation. Given that the public footpath runs through 2 tennis courts and a football pitch, to remedy the situation the Council has proposed diverting the footpath onto an accessible route for pedestrians within park. 

Councillor Crimmings advised that the Council has commenced an informal consultation on that proposal to gather feedback before deciding whether to make a diversion order under the provisions of the Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980.  In addition, officers have confirmed that the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is taken into consideration as part of that decision making process.

Supplementary Question from Mr L Walker:

“Please can I have your assurance that the public in Tonteg and the walking group that I run will be consulted regarding the re routing of the Public Rights of Way?”

Response of Councillor A. Crimmings:

“Councillor Crimmings gave her assurance that the public in Tonteg and any relevant groups, including the walking group organised by Mr Walker, would be consulted upon”

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 W. Hughes to the Deputy Leader of the Council and Armed Forces Champion, County Borough Councillor M. Webber:

“What support does this Council provide to the local Armed Forces community?”

Response of Councillor M Webber:

Councillor Webber advised that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has demonstrated continuous unwavering Armed Forces community support, earning the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Employer recognition award. This award recognises the Council’s commitment to encouraging employers and employees to support the Armed Forces and inspire others to do the same. She added that the Council supports numerous veteran groups, including Valley Veterans, Taf Ely Veterans, and the Cynon Valley Veterans anand it is also proud to support Woody’s Lodge Veterans Support Hub and the Thursday Veterans lunch at the Lighthouse project.

Councillor Webber commented that the Council has employed a dedicated Armed Forces Liaison Officer, who actively engages with Armed Forces Community groups to offer direct support. This also includes liaison directly with the Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales who has on many occasions visited local veteran groups in RCT.

The Deputy Leader advised that the Council has embarked on an initiative to enhance and preserve its 117 War Memorials across the County, each one will have a comprehensive digital record of each memorial with QR codes, directing users to a website where they can view information and the histories associated. The Council also recently attended the Welsh Veterans Awards where individuals and groups were recognised for their outstanding contributions to our Armed Forces Community, among those awarded was Councillor Parkin & Councillor Middle, but also Valleys Veterans & Taf Ely Veteran Groups. In addition, the Council has supported Valley Veterans to obtain funding from the Welsh Church Act for their horse menage project which supports with PTSD.

The Deputy Leader commented that a month or two ago, she together with the Council Leader had met with the Cwm Parc Blitz Committee and agreed that the Council would take ownership of the memorial. Since then, repair work to the stonework has begun, planting new trees, and an information board will soon be installed.

In conclusion, Councillor Webber advised that she would be visiting Cwm Parc primary school to see the pupils take part in a poppy planting workshop. These poppies will be planted at the memorial in honour of those that sadly lost their lives.

There was no supplementary question

2.Question from County Borough Councillor D. Williams to the Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language, County Borough Councillor R. Lewis:

“Can the Cabinet Member for Education please make a statement on the next steps for the construction of a new school for Glyncoch on the site of the existing Craig-Yr-Hesg Primary?”

 Response of Councillor R Lewis:

Councillor Lewis responded that the new school for Glyncoch on the site of the existing Craig-Yr-Hesg Primary School is currently progressing through the funding and design stages.  He added that funding for the project is delivered through Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools Challenge, which the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

To consider the report of the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications.

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications presented his report for information to advise Council of the two petitions submitted to the Council which satisfy the tier 3 requirements of the Council’s petition scheme. He added that a previous report to Council in October 2023 which included provision for when a petition reaches 1,000 signatures or more, it will be referenced for information on the council agenda. Members can determine to note the petitions or choose to move a motion to refer the matter to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The Service Director referred Members to section four of the report which set out the detail of the two petitions received and to the matters and arrangements should they be referred to scrutiny. He also referred back to the recommendations set out in the report.

Following discussion it was Resolved:

1. To note the petitions submitted to Council as outlined in section 4 of the report;

 2.   To refer the subject matters contained within the petitions, set out in the report at section 4, to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee; and

3.   To instruct the Head of Democratic Services to take forward the necessary arrangements to allow the referral to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Resolved:

2. To note the petitions submitted to Council as outlined in section 4 of the report;

2.    To refer the subject matters contained within the petitions, set out in the report at section 4, to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee; and

3.    To instruct the Head of Democratic Services to take forward the necessary arrangements to allow the referral to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication advised of two specific updates to the Council Work Programme for the 2024/25 Municipal Year. There would be a change to the next scheduled Council date and the meeting on the 23^rd October will now be held on the 6^th November 2024 to accommodate Council business and reporting requirements. The Service Director added that the business already identified from the October meeting of Council will be considered at the meeting on the 6^th November. He also advised that the scheduled council meeting on the 27^th November will remain in the Council calendar of meetings meaning there will be two council meetings in November 2024.

The Service Director also announced that the Chief Executive of the WLGA had been invited to attend the Council meeting on the 27th November in order to outline the role of the WLGA, their key priorities and how they represent the collective interests of local government in Wales and support individual authorities. Members were advised that this special meeting will be held at 4pm in a separate committee summons which will be circulated ahead of the Council meeting on the 27^th November.  

To receive a report from Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services providing an update on the Medium-Term Financial Plan.

The Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director, Finance, Digital and Frontline Services presented an update on the financial context, Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2024/25 to 2027/28 and Council Reserves through a Power Point presentation under the following headings:

Ø  Council Budget

Ø  Capital Investment

Ø  Medium Term Financial Plan

Ø  Context & Uncertainty

Ø  Council Financial Health & Reserves

In conclusion, the Director advised of the next steps, that updates will be provided to Council once the provisional settlement has been received from Welsh Government in December 2024. The Director advised that the MTFP would be presented to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee as part of the first phase of the budget consultation process with the second phase of the consultation taking place in January/February 2025 with the final budget being recommended to Council in March 2025.

Following the presentation,there followed a discussion and contributions from each of the Group Leaders, the Director responded to queries raised and he advised that the Power Point presentation would be circulated following the meeting.

It was Resolved:

1. To note the current position modelled in respect of the ‘Medium Term Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2027/28’ and receive further updates in the autumn as part of the annual budget setting process.

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

The Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services presented the report of the Cabinet which set out the opportunity for Council to further invest in its infrastructure, aligned to its Corporate Plan priorities. He referred to section 4 of the report which set out the proposed detail at £6.950M across a range of areas of highways and roads, the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor and structures which includes bridges, culverts, retaining walls, reinforced earth embankments and rock anchors.

The Group Director advised that funding is already set aside in the Council’s investment and Infrastructure reserves for this purpose and can be released to fully fund these proposals. He added that since 2015 the Council has funded £181M additional investment across the Council’s infrastructure which is over and above the  core capital programme and demonstrates the Council’s ongoing ambition and funded through the delivery of the Council’s ongoing and medium term financial management arrangements.

Before referring Members to the recommendation in the report, the Group Director concluded that subject to approval, the funding will be incorporated into the Council’s Capital Programme.

The Group Leaders took the opportunity to comment on the proposed additional investment, in line with the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities, as set out in the report. It was agreed that a list of approved works and investment in these areas would be circulated to all Members in due course.

Following discussion it was RESOLVED:

1. To note the current position modelled in respect of the ‘Medium Term Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2027/28’ and receive further updates in the autumn as part of the annual budget setting process.

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

The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director of Finance, Digital & Frontline Services advised that the report satisfies the requirement for Council to annually reaffirm its approach to Council Tax discounts and also sets out an update to the Council Tax Premium. He added that Council Tax Premiums work alongside the Councils’ Empty Homes Strategy to bring homes back into use. Following a period of public consultation, the Director advised that Cabinet has agreed a proposal to update the level of premium, which is charged on long term empty properties, namely, any property which has been empty for between 1-3 years would be charged a premium of 100% thereby paying twice the rate of council tax, with those that have been empty beyond three years being charged a premium of 200%, thereby having to pay three times the rate of standard council tax.

The Director commented that despite the progress made since the introduction of a premium, there remain 459 properties which have been empty for more than five years. He added that the use of wider intervention measures are also set out and to be considered such as a compulsory purchase order where there is no realistic prospect of properties being brought back into use.

In conclusion, the Director referred to the consultation report which is attached to the Cabinet report of the 19^th September and with regard to responses received, the Director referred to some of the headlines, which include 66% of residents who responded agreeing with the proposal with regard to the level of premium as compared to 10% of empty property owners who agree with it. He added that 60% of respondents agreed with the potential use of further intervention powers, with 75% of residents agreeing and 40% of empty property owners agreeing.

The Director advised that whilst the objective is to bring empty properties back into use, it would also generate an additional income of £750K council tax income. In line with relevant regulations, the proposal is set out before Full Council for final agreement.

The Leader commented that the premium on empty properties has been successful in helping to drive down the numbers of empty properties. He referred to RCT leading on the All Wales Grant Scheme for empty properties where up to £25K in grants is available to renovating an empty property

need to meet the demand on RCT’s housing needs is to tackle the empty properties and bring them back into use. He added that while there

Deputy/Group Leaders and other Members commented on the report

RESOLVED:

1. To agree to the increase in the levels of Council Tax Premium for Long Term Empty Properties and the use of wider intervention measures to bring empty properties back into use; and

2.    To agree the continuation of no Council Tax discount in respect of Class A, B and C properties (para 5.5).

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

To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion which was submitted in

accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1 and received by the Proper Officer,

standing in the names of County Borough Councillors:

A. Roberts, J. Brencher, L. Addiscott, M. D. Ashford, J. Barton, D. R. Bevan, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, G. Caple, J. Cook, A. Crimmings, S. J. Davies, A. J. Dennis, V. Dunn, J. Edwards, J. A. Elliott, L. Ellis, S. Emanuel, R. Evans, S. Evans, A. S. Fox, B. Harris, S. Hickman, G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, G. W. Hughes, 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, C. Preedy, S. Rees, G. Stacey, L. A. Tomkinson, W. Treeby, J. Turner, G. L. Warren, E. L. Watts, K. Webb, M. Webber, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams, R. Yeo.

Residents across RCT and beyond were understandably shocked at the events of the 7^th October, when Hamas and several other militant groups launched armed incursions from Gaza into southern Israel.

The approximately 1,130 deaths and over 250 individuals taken hostage through the incursions were horrific.

Since then, the conflict has escalated considerably, with a staggering suggested over 40,000 Palestinian lives being lost.  The scale of destruction and the loss of life in this region is deplorable and intolerable.

Like our residents, Members are also deeply concerned about the situation and the loss of life, and as democratically elected representatives we would implore those directly involved to work urgently to see a release of hostages, the cessation of all military action, and the allowing of immediate humanitarian aid and medical facilities to move freely into the territory.

Furthermore, we would urge world leaders to redouble their efforts in order to bring about a lasting peace process in the Middle East that makes use of dialogue and diplomacy.  The decades of violence in the region is a scar on humanity and the immediate end to the conflict is urgently needed.

This Council therefore resolves to add its support to the calls for:

·         An immediate ceasefire.

·         For all remaining hostages on both sides to be released and returned.

·         For the implementation of an immediate and large-scale humanitarian aid programme for Gaza to alleviate the incredibly severe conditions on the ground.

·         The delivery of a viable and peaceful two-state solution that guarantees both a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

And also:

·         Reaffirms our commitment to tackling both antisemitism and islamophobia and ensuring the well-being of our residents and the cohesiveness of our communities is upheld and protected.

·         Requests that the Leader of the Council writes to local MPs in Rhondda Cynon Taf to ask them to continue to press the U.K. Government to support the position outlined in this Motion.

At the meeting the Chair announced that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.4.1 the following amendment to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

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

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications advised that in accordance with Procedural Rule 10.5, the Presiding Member had granted permission for Full Council to determine whether this Urgent Motion should be:

• Discussed at the meeting; or

• Deferred until the next meeting to consider with the benefit of written Officer advice;

or

• Referred for consideration and decision to the Executive or a Committee.

It was RESOLVED to discuss the Urgent Notice of Motion at the meeting.

In accordance with Procedural Rule 10.5, the Presiding Officer has granted permission for Full Council to determine whether this Urgent Motion should be:

• Discussed at the meeting; or

• Deferred until the next meeting to consider with the benefit of written Officer advice; or

• Referred for consideration and decision to the Executive or a Committee.

To consider the following Urgent Notice of Motion standing in the names of County Borough Councillors K Morgan, S Evans, A Ellis, P Evans, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Rogers and D Wood:

In July the UK Chancellor announced that older people not in receipt of pension credits or other means-tested benefits will no longer receive winter fuel payments from this year onwards - a change that will impact around 10 million pensioners across the UK, thousands of them residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

Across Wales, 538,397 pensioners are expected to lose their Winter Fuel Payments - a total of 86.8% of those eligible under the most recent data.

It is estimated that 84.8% of pensioners in Rhondda Cynon Taf will lose their eligibility for the allowance.

The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, will further exacerbate their financial hardship.  The Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined with the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of our pensioners into fuel poverty.

Around 780,000 pensioners in England and Wales are not expected to apply for benefits they are entitled to, according to the UK government's own analysis.

The government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent our eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.

Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

This Council recognises the significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping our older residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf afford heating during the coldest months, preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health.  The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents. 

 Council is deeply concerned that 84.8% of our pensioners who do not meet this threshold will now not receive the payments.

Last week the Bank of England handed the Chancellor a fiscal boost worth up to £10bn ahead of the October Budget.  The savings from the Banks decision should be used to continue with the present eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.

This Council therefore resolves to:

• Request the Leader, Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the decision on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit or other means tested benefits receipt to be immediately reversed.

 • Further request that the Leader writes to the three Members of Parliament,

Chris Bryant MP, Gerald Jones MP and Alex Davies-Jones MP, who represent our pensioners and their families in the Borough, asking them to give their formal support to reversing the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility by writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

At the meeting the Chair announced that the following amendment to the Urgent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.