Agenda and minutes

A scrutiny research facility is available within the Council Business Unit to support Members’ scrutiny responsibilities and their roles as Elected Members.  Such research strengthens scrutiny committee work programmes to ensure outcome-based topics are identified. For any scrutiny research requirements please contact Scrutiny@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

The Members’ Researcher and Scrutiny Officer referenced the research facilities that were available to Members within the Council Business Unit. Members were advised that if they have any specific queries to email them to Scrutiny@rctcbc.gov.uk.

Apologies of absence were received from County Borough Councillors G. Caple, J. James and T. Williams.

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

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter 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 a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee held on the 8^th September 2021.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 8^th September 2021 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

Information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee.

The Members’ Researcher & Scrutiny Officer referenced the consultation links, which were available through the ‘RCT Scrutiny’ website.  Members were reminded that information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee, which are circulated on a monthly basis.

To receive an overview of the Council’s approach to the 2022/23 Budget Consultation Process.

The Corporate Policy & Consultation Manager presented the report on the proposed approach to resident engagement and consultation in respect of the 2022/23 budget setting process.

Members were reminded that in previous years the Council has undertaken a comprehensive approach to its annual budget consultation, involving a large number of residents and key stakeholders. The Service Director went on to inform Members that the current Covid-19 pandemic presents a unique set of circumstances for engagement and consultation. The Service Director added that in light of this, the 2022/23 annual budget consultation will include a number of digital methods, whilst continuing to consider hard to reach groups, those having reduced or no access to the internet and those who prefer to engage through more traditional methods.

The Corporate Policy & Consultation Manager also updated Members on the

different approaches that will take place to replace the usual face-to-face

engagement and noted the ‘Let’ss Talk’ Website and that engagement will also

take place with the following;

·       Older people via the Older Persons Advisory Group meeting

·        Young people via Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Youth Forums. (Instagram).

·       A presentation and discussion with young people via our schools/colleges.

·       Report and presentation to the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee and the School Budget Forum.

·       A presentation at the Community Liaison Committee

·       Disability forum engagement

·        Armed Forces and Veterans Groups engagement.

Further to the overview of the report, Members raised several questions.

Mr Fish, the Parent/Governor Representative, referred Members to section 5.5 of the report and the development of an online survey. Mr Fish noted his disappointment that despite several previous requests the Committee is not involved as consultees in the online survey. The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication acknowledged that this point is regularly raised, however, he emphasised that it is Cabinet’s responsibility to set the remit of the engagement strategy of the budget setting process. It was emphasised that the report is brought to the Scrutiny Committee to assure Members that the process is robust and effective. Mr Fish acknowledged the response, however, he noted that he is not content with the response as the Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee has been given assurances in the past that they would e given the opportunity to be involved in the process and to have an input into the questions that are being asked.

Discussions continued and Councillor Thomas praised the approaches outlined in the report. The Service Director referenced the ‘Let’s Talk’ Website and noted that it is a much more flexible opportunity for residents to engage in the process and it has been found to be a much more effective way of receiving feedback from the public. The Corporate Policy and Consultation Manager advised Members that the survey is just one of the tools on there and that other tools on there are much more open and allow people to say what they want on various factors.

Councillor Rees-Owen raised a query in respect of the call centre and noted that residents get very frustrated when they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

For Members to scrutinise the impact of the refocus and review of the Regeneration Business Grants.

The Director of Prosperity & Development outline the grant assistance delivered by the Regeneration Service to businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf to support them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members were advised that the economy in Rhondda Cynon Taf has been

severely impacted since the start of 2020 as result of the devastating storms

and flooding followed immediately by the COVID- 19 pandemic with the

subsequent lockdown measures and restrictions. A significant level of financial

assistance was delivered via the Regeneration Service to support businesses

respond to the economic challenges they faced, helping them build their

resilience, supporting economic diversification and growth, with the aim of

encouraging sustainability and hopefully stimulating future private sector

investment.

Following the overview, Members were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Councillor Bradwick sought clarification on how many grants were provided to

each Town Centre. The Director advised that he did not have the information

to hand but that he would take that request away and circulate to Members.

Mr Fish, the Parent/Governor Representative, advised that a number of these

schemes were unfortunately targeted by fraud. Mr Fish sought clarification as

to what safeguards are in place and queried whether all the money was

distributed appropriately. The Director advised that there was a desperate need

at the beginning of the pandemic to get this money out quickly and that there

was a balance to be struck between having a rigorous audit process and getting

the money out quickly to local businesses. The Director acknowledged that

there was potential for fraud, however, he felt confident that the money was

given out appropriately and as quick as possible. Councillor Thomas

acknowledged that there would always be problems with any system that’s put

forward but that the essential point is that the grants were refocused to assist

with a difficult situation.

Discussions continued and Councillor Boggis referenced that 23 applications

were approved for Town Centre funding and sought clarification as to how many

applications were received. The Director advised that he will collate the

information and circulate it to Members accordingly.   

Following discussion, Members RESOLVED to note the update contained

within the report.  

For Committee Members to consider the Council’s Quarter 1 Performance Report (2021/22).

The Service Director – Finance and Improvement Services presented the Council’s Quarter 1 Performance Report (to 30^th June 2021).

The Service Director explained that the Quarter 1 Performance Report was presented to Cabinet on the 21^st September 2021 and contains revenue and capital budget performance; Treasury Management prudential indicators; Organisational Health information, including staff turnover; sickness and Council strategic risks; and Corporate Plan priority progress updates.

The Service Director completed the overview of the Report by providing an update on the progress made across the Council’s 3 Corporate Plan priority areas of People, Places and Prosperity and, following this, Members put forward their questions.

Councillor Bradwick agreed with the reference within the report to the challenge that the Council faces with wood and acknowledged that the suppliers are not taking the wood off the Council to make the pallets. Furthermore, Councillor Bradwick sought clarification as to whether there had been any developments on the park in Bryn Pica. The Service Director advised that in terms of the Eco Park a business case has been in place for a period of time and discussions are ongoing with Welsh Government in terms of funding opportunities for the project. In terms of Brexit and the Pandemic, the Service Director advised that the likelihood is that the cost will increase, however, the current position is that the Council is still in dialogue with Welsh Government in terms of funding opportunities.

Discussions continued and Councillor Cullwick referred Members to page 41 of the report and noted that the sickness figures in schools is very low and wanted to congratulate heads of schools and governors. The Service Director advised that the recording arrangements for the Council’s schools is that where staff are absent due to self isolating or underlying health condition these have been excluded from the figures. The Service Director also emphasised that schools have been at the forefront in terms of supporting children throughout the pandemic. Consequently, Members were advised that there has been an upward trend in mental health reporting absence and the Council has strived to ensure that the appropriate support is given to staff. Councillor Bradwick alo wished to place on record his admiration for school staff and their efforts during the pandemic.

The Chair continued discussions and referenced the number of staff off sick in Children and Community Services and sought information as to which areas those people were off sick from. Furthermore, the Chair referenced page 48 of the report and sought information as to what impact tourism developments such as Zip World are having on the finances of the Authority. The Service Director advised that he would speak to the Director of Prosperity and Development and would present a further report to Members on Tourism and its impact on the Council’s finances. In terms of sickness absence, the Service Director advised that there is a hyperlink in the existing report which does provide a further detailed breakdown of each of the areas.

Mr Fish, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

For Committee Members to consider the Council’s MTFP 2021/22 to 2024/25.

the Service Director – Finance and Improvement Services introduced the Council’s ‘Medium Term Financial Plan 2021/22 to 2024/25’.

Members were asked to consider the Council’s ‘Medium Term Financial Plan 2021/22 to 2024/25’ and were informed that the  Committee’s feedback would be used as a consultee of the Council’s 2022/23 Budget Consultation process.

The Service Director – Finance and Improvement Services reminded Members that the 2022/23 Budget Consultation is an agenda item scheduled for the Committee’s November 2021 meeting, this being subject to Cabinet’s approval of the ‘Engagement on the Council’s Budget’ report on 18^th October 2021 (the ‘Engagement on the Council’s Budget’ report also being a separate item for the 21^st October 2021 Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda).

Following the overview, Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions.

Councillor Yeo praised the report and noted that the UK Government have promised to support social care with the National Insurace rise and noted his hope that this will be even greater support in the area in the New Year.

Discussions ensued and Councillor Adams, Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, referred the Committee to the Council’s efficiency savings and noted his hope that the UK Government will realise that local governments need support, particularly after the pandemic. Councillor Adams also raised the issue of green bags waste and noted that this was imposed upon the Authority by the Welsh Government and further sought clarification as to who was paying the cost of these bags. The Service Director advised Members that in terms of efficiency savings the Local Authority is working very closely with Welsh Government and lobbying hard on the UK Government to set out that austerity has had an hard impact on public sector services. In terms of the green bags, the Service Director advised Members that there is an element of it which is a pilot and the Council have been able to access external funding and it was noted that there is a 10% reduction estimated on the amount of plastic recycling bags which will be used and noted that there is some innovative work happening in the background.

The Chair continued the discussions and queried whether we have noticed on impact on finances in terms of the funding we would have ordinarily received pre-Brexit from the European Union. The Service Director advised that the impact has not been felt yet as the exit strategy will involve projects coming to fruition over the next few years and advised that there could be elements of the Council being pro active in looking to apply for the levelling up fund and other sources of Government funding. Councillor Yeo also noted his concerns regarding the potential drop in funding from the European Union.

Discussions continued and Councillor Bradwick praised the report and noted his praise for the savings in terms of recycling bags. Councillor Thomas also praised the report and noted his concerns as to how the Council will be able to maintain the level  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

It was RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for Item 5 of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act.

For Committee Members to consider an interim update of the Corporate Asset Management Plan.  

The Head of Legal And Strategic Property provided the Committee with an Interim update in respect of the Corporate Asset Management Plan 2018/23.

Following a lengthy discussion, Members RESOLVED to note the update contained within the report.

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency

There was no urgent business to report.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chair thanked Members for attending and for engaging in a constructive and focused discussion. The Chair also reminded Members that the next meeting date will be the 30^th November 2021.