Agenda and minutes

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 Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Community Committee held on 15.07.2021

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 15 July 2021 as an accurate reflection of the meeting, subject to the inclusion of the apologies received from Cllr Weaver and Cllr Holmes

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

The Senior Democratic Services Officer informed members of the recent consultations that may be of interest to them

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 Committees work programmes to ensure outcome-based topics are identified. For any scrutiny research requirements please contact Scrutiny@rhonddacynon-taff.gov.uk

The Senior Democratic Officer informed Members of the Scrutiny Research facility that was available to members to utilise within the Council Business Unit and members can request to use the facility by emailing the Scrutiny mailbox.

The Service Director Community Services and the Head of Leisure, Parks and Countryside presented the report to members to provide an overview of cultural and heritage services in Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

Members were given a comprehensive overview of the Arts Service, Adult Education Service, Heritage Service and Library Service and included a management structure for each service so members were familiar with who they needed to contact for each service area

The Chairman thanked the officers for the comprehensive report and opened up to members for questions

A member asked if the Aberdare Coliseum theatre was closing as there had been some rumours circulating that this may be the case.

The Service Director responded that this was not true and that the Service area was actually investing in the property, as they were old buildings.  She added that a cautious approach to reopening since the pandemic had been taken but it was definitely not closing.  Reopening cinema screens would take place from October half term onwards and professional performances would take place from the new year. 

A Member asked what happened to the blue plaques if a building is knocked down. He referred to the old cinema in Pontypridd that had a blue plaque on it that was unveiled by a former Councillor.

The Head of Leisure, Parks and Countryside responded that he would look into the Members query and come back to him with an answer.   

A Member asked for more information on the Councils review of statues following the Black Lives Matter movement

The officer responded that a recent audit found there to be nothing of issue within the RCT area.  He added one query was received in relation to a Kier Hardie statue and around inflammatory comments made, which were responded to and the resident was satisfied with the response provided to them. 

A Member asked if the Authority holds any data as to where the people come from that use the theatres in RCT.

The Strategic Arts Manager responded that the Authority uses mosaic software and box data to breakdown the age demographic and advised that most people normally live within a 20 minute journey from the theatres.  She added that a lot of information is collected at the point of sale as it was important to know who we are targeting. She further added that they also promote the activities through their web pages, social media and brochures delivered to other visitor attractions in neighbouring Authority areas.

A member asked for more information on the Eisteddfod that was coming to RCT and asked how they were engaging with communities and who they were targeting for the event.

The Service Director responded that the Authority were co-working with the National Eistedfodd and as part of engagement programme they were considering targeting people who are difficult to reach such as residents that maybe aren’t so ready to try something through the medium of welsh.  She added that they have been working with the national Eistedfodd to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The Service Director Streetcare provided members with an update on how Communities were able to get involved in Litter picking initiatives throughout the Borough and how RCT works in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy.

He advised that Cerw Cymru, is an all wales initiative that has partnered with all authorities in Wales.  RCTCBC are currently working with them on a project to coordinate and encourage residents to link up with their local litter champions. 

He advised of some of the challenges for example, a lot of the areas are not part of the Council remit and therefore the focus was on streets, parks and Council owned facilities.  He added that the project sources local people to take ownership of the areas with the collaboration working closely with them to assist and support in the delivery of the project.  The project also looks at behavioural change projects such as the use of different colour bins and the relocation of bins etc

The Service Director Streetcare advised that there were currently 38 litter champions in RCT with the recruitment through the discretion of the Keep Wales Tidy Officer.  Once Litter champions are recruited KWT meet with them to supply them with equipment and insure them which is free of charge for a period of time.   In addition to local litter champions there were dozens of community groups affiliated to KWT, whilst others did not want a formal arrangement.   He advised that in addition to this, there were also a number of litter hubs who work with RCT where equipment can be booked out for litter picks.  He added that this was in place to encourage people who wanted to undertake one off litter picks, to utilise their equipment and coloured bags as they did not want them to use black bags as this could be mistaken for flytipping. 

A Member was concerned that some of the areas where he has seen litter pickers are very dangerous, such as the mountain roads.  He was concerned at the speed of the traffic, and with no pavements people were putting their lives at risk. 

The Service Director Streetcare advised that the Authority and KWT do not condone or encourage any groups to undertake litter picking anywhere near roads that are above 30mph.  This is undertaken safely with RCT staff utilising the correct safety equipment and warning signs to slow traffic down. He added that he would speak with KWT ensure this doesn’t happen. 

The Leader of the Plaid Cymru group was invited to ask a question.

She stated that  she had great admiration for all those involved in the litter picking groups and thought it to be one of the best systems in RCT for undertaking the collections the way we do.  She advised the officer that she remained concerned about residents undertaking litter picking on routes that are hidden away, quiet and countryside routes where drug paraphernalia was often irresponsibly disposed of.  She asked if the Authority has any advice or factsheets for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

The Service Director Streetcare gave members an update on the rollout to the changes on the Green Waste Collections.  He advised members of the following updates to the service:

• Scheme was launched on the 13.09.2021 online via social media with a 7-week campaign leading up to the 1^st November.  The first day saw 7000 residents sign up and now just short of 16,000
• As part of the campaign, leaflets to be dropped to “green” areas.
• Crews will specifically leaflet properties
• 95% of those registered done so online.
• Campaign will now target those who do not use online services
• For residents who have not registered, bags will continue to be collected and officers will engage with them to register them.
• Collection frequencies will remain the same.
• Bag deliveries will commence next week, and continue throughout October.

A Member referred to Community gardens where there are people who volunteer to look after them.  He asked how they would be managed going forward.

The Service Director Streetcare advised if residents tend to the gardens and take the waste to their house then this will be collected.  If, however residents have registered for two bags, then only two will be taken away, this will also serve as a deterrent from stealing bags too.  He added that a hard approach was not intended, particularly in the early days.  We want to encourage and engage residents in the process.

A Member asked about residents that don’t leave their bags out near their houses, for example sometimes they are grouped at the end of a communal driveway. Street and how those collections will be managed. 

The Service Director Streetcare advised that that the same collection points will continue and as long as residents register for the new green waste collections then their waste will be collected.. 

A Member asked if local churches have to register for the green waste collections as they have their grass cut on a regular basis. 

The Service Director Streetcare replied they do not have to register and they were working closely with local churches on any changes to the scheme.

A Member asked if compost was able to go in the green waste bags. The Service Director Streetcare advised that this could not be included in the bags but this could be taken to one of the six distribution sites.  He added the cleaner the waste, the higher the chance it can be turned into something else. He added that the weight of the bags is also a consideration and that the website had been updated with all the relevant information.

A Member was concerned that when the bags were put out for collection, as they were light they could be blown around and lost or not returned to the correct household. 

The Service Director Streetcare advised that a trial had been undertaken and the crews are aware of these issues and will do what is reasonably practical to return the bags to the rightful owners.  He added that other options  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

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

The Chair thanked all members and officers for their attendance and contributions at the meeting.

He asked officers to keep members informed of the progress with the green waste collections so they can understand first hand any of the issues that may be encountered.

The Chairman also advised members that as soon as the Council were able to organise a safe trip to Bryn Pica, members of the Committee would be invited to attend and extended the invite to the Leader of the Plaid Cymru Group also.

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.

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