Agenda, decisions and minutes

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:

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

Councillor J Brencher – “My son works for Transport for Wales”

Councillor D Grehan – “I have been heavily involved with fundraising for the Eisteddfod and I know one of the speakers”

The Chief Executive of the National Eisteddfod of Wales and Chair of the Executive Committee to provide Members with an update on the work being undertaken in preparation for the 2024 Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf in collaboration with the Director Public Health, Protection & Community Services.

The Deputy Presiding Member introduced and welcomed the Chief Executive of the National Eisteddfod of Wales and the Chair of the Executive Committee who provided Members with an update on the work being undertaken in preparation for the 2024 Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Council’s Director Public Health, Protection & Community Services provided the Council’s perspective and involvement with the Eisteddfod including the legacy of the event.

Through the aid of PowerPoint slides an overview of key matters under the following heading were presented:

Ø  Trosolwg | Overview

Ø  Gwirio Ffeithiau | Fact Check

Ø  Trosolwg O’r Safle/Site Overview

Ø  Profiad Yr Eisteddfod/The Eisteddfod Experience

Ø  Gwaddol Yr Eisteddfod/The Eisteddfod Legacy

Ø  Pwyllgorau RhCT/RCT Committees

Ø  Y CYngor fel Partner/The Council as Partner

Ø  Rôl y Cyngor / The Council’s Role

Ø  Y Cyngor ar y Maes - The Council on the Maes

Ø  Y Gwaddol i RhCT/The Legacy for RCT

Ø  Cymryd rhan a chithau’n aelodau /You as elected members and getting involved

Following the presentation the former Mayor representing RCT for the 2023/2024 Municipal Year, Councillor W Lewis, presented a cheque to the Chief Executive of the National Eisteddfod of Wales. Councillor W Lewis had supported and raised money for the National Eisteddfod during her time as Mayor of RCT.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor A Morgan OBE, thanked the Officers for attending Full Council and presenting to all Members. He reiterated the travel arrangements for the event, with signage, wardens and an abundance of volunteers on hand to meet and greet and help the event run smoothly. He spoke of the close collaboration with all partners such as South Wales Police and Transport For Wales to ensure all the relevant arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth running of the event. The Leader urged residents and visitors to use public transport and the park and ride facilities available to travel to Pontypridd. He also confirmed that work currently being undertaken in and around the town, such as the re-opening of the White Bridge, would be completed within the next week.

The Leader indicated that the Eisteddfod would bring with it a huge economic boost to RCT with visitors to the Maes spending money in the town and surrounding area and he was in no doubt that hosting such a prevalent event would put Rhondda Cynon Taf on the map. He paid thanks to the Director Public Health, Protection & Community Services for her contribution, representing RCT and working alongside the officers from the National Eisteddfod.

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Sera Evans, thanked the Officers for the comprehensive presentation and she confirmed that the Plaid Cymru Group has sponsored one of the Eisteddfod prizes. Councillor Evans congratulated residents and the committees for their huge fundraising efforts and acknowledged the fantastic examples of collaborative working to bring this all to fruition.

The Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor W Jones, echoed the previous sentiments with praise given for all the hard work and efforts bringing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.