Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed the attendees to the meeting and an apology for absence was received from County Borough Councillor M. Webber.

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 meeting held on 18^th February 2020.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th February 2020 as an accurate reflection.

To receive verbal updates from the relevant officers in respect of the Council’s recovery response to date and future service planning.

The following updates were provided by Council Officers and Key Partners in respect of the major weather incident ‘Storm Dennis’:

Highways and Infrastructure

·         In respect of the reoccurring flooding in Pentre, it was explained that the forest cuttings had blocked the culvert and that the fire service were working with two additional pumps in an attempt to prevent further flooding to the properties in the short-term;

·         Ty Glantaf Depot lost over 20 vehicles with significant flood damage to the offices and as such, staff had been moved;

·         Cardiff Council were providing additional support in supplying three gully suckers and road sweepers under the Mutual Aid Agreement, which would be used in Pontypridd/Rhondda, Treforest Industrial Estate and Cynon to support the clean-up;

·         The Bridge in Pontypridd and Castle Inn Bridge, Treforest were closed;

·         Hopkinstown wall had suffered significant damage;

·         Praise was given to the amount of hours and commitment shown by all staff and engineers who had been working tirelessly; and

·         A further 460 flood related calls had been received overnight.

Housing

·         There were currently 16 families in temporary accommodation (the number had reduced slightly since the last meeting due to a number of residents returning to their homes or staying with families);

·         Enquiries were being received from families who were unable to stay at their homes;

·         Staff were searching for accommodation in the surrounding Local Authorities and the private renting sector;

·         The Council were helping with the cost of meals for families in temporary accommodation;

·         Lack of insurance remained a huge issue for a number of residents;

·         Many residents required practical help with the clean-up;

·         Staff were working on identifying any vulnerable and disabled residents who require social care and support;

·         470 homes had been door-knocked by Council staff who were collating information into a growing database and providing advice and assistance;

·         Teams were deployed in Hirwaun, Bryncynon, Treorchy, Pontypridd, Blaenllechau, Ynysybwl and Pentre;

·         420 E-forms had been submitted by residents overnight, stating that they require a hardship payment for flood damage. All homes would be checked and added to the database as part of the verification process and all residents would need to bring identification and proof of address to receive the hardship payment and prevent exploitation;

·         In respect of the payment process, arrangements would be in place by the end of the week, with the payment provided the following week;

·         The Council’s mobile library service, in partnership with RCT Citizens Advice, would be visiting the communities most affected by the flooding in the coming days, to provide residents with advice and support with insurance claims;

·         The Council continued to work in partnership with Interlink, Community Groups and Communities to coordinate a community response to flooding and ensure the right help is provided to the right locations – all information and advice is provided on the Council website;

·         Many businesses had come forward to offer labour;

·         Go Compare would be present at Taffs Well Community Centre to support residents in challenging insurance claims;

·         The Council were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To receive notification of the Urgent Decision taken by the Leader of the Council in respect of grant support for residents and businesses.

The Steering Group RESOLVED to note the Urgent Decision taken by the Leader of the Council.