Agenda item
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.)
Minutes:
1. Question from County Borough Councillor G. E. Williams to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
“Ahead of the winter and the preparations for severe weather, will there be an opportunity for Members to have engagement and briefings on the preparations?”
Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
Councillor A Morgan responded that each year, the Council holds an annual briefing session for Elected Members in advance of the winter period. Last year’s session was held in November with this year’s session to be held earlier, possibly in October. The Leader advised that the primary focus of these sessions is the Council’s Winter Maintenance Plan, and this outlines what actions the Council is taking to prepare for inclement weather over the winter months, the roles and responsibilities for Members and Officers, how to share information, directing Members to the out of hours number, how to log issues via the contact centre and what they are able to offer in support of their communities and to Council Services and staff.
The Leader stressed the importance of achieving as much engagement and participation from Members as possible – he explained that the session is worthwhile and he encouraged all Members to attend. The Leader concluded that though Democratic Services, a date would be confirmed and circulated in due course.
Supplementary question from County Borough Councillor G Williams:
“We can’t guarantee that Pentre won’t flood again but the works conducted to the culvert and drainage systems provides much needed peace of mind for the residents in Pentre, could the Leader provide further details of the Council’s preferred option of works?”
Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
The Leader commented that Pentre was obviously one of the hardest hit communities during Storm Dennis, and of course over subsequent weather events and over £1m has been spent on the area to date. He confirmed the preferred option is bringing a new culvert through the streets which although will be disruptive to residents (which was relayed in the consultation information that was circulated) would alleviate their concerns through face to face and online sessions with Officers and drop-in sessions.
The Leader advised that the scheme will be a multi-million-pound investment in local infrastructure, delivered in phases but the Council has secured significant funding for the scheme this year. The scheme will be necessary in the face of climate change and the need to protect houses and residents. The Leader commented that preparation is key to the scheme and that is why training is essential for Members, as the Leader outlined earlier.
- Question from County Borough Councillor J. Cook B.E.M. to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
“What support is available for food banks and similar local schemes in the coming year?”
Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
The Leader commented that recently he held a key meeting recently to discuss what further support can be provided to local foodbanks and food clubs/pantries where there is a lot of excellent work being undertaken across the county borough to support older persons groups and families. There are a range of grants available for example community groups are able to apply for small grants of up to £500 (up to three times a year) to allow the groups to utilise the money locally.
The Leader advised that the anticipated total financial value of support is in excess of £160,000 and the relevant teams will be working to release these funds, such as the Food Fund worth £500, which any community organisation can apply for as well as community funds worth up to £1,000.
The Leader wished to commend all the community groups working hard to support families and residents through difficult times and he stressed that the Council is once again looking to provide direct support this financial year with further allocations being made in the future.
There was no supplementary question
- Question from County Borough Councillor S. Emanuel to the Leader of the Council, CountyBorough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
“Can the Leader please make a statement on capital investment in Rhondda Cynon Taf?”
Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
The Leader advised that the level of Capital spend is larger than ever, for 2022/23 it totalled £135m. By way of comparison, in 2015/16, the Council’s total capital spend equated to £66.9m. The new 3-year capital programme represents a total investment of £187m for 2023/24 to 2025/26.
The Leader advised that the Council receives large amounts of Capital funding throughout the year, recently receiving over £5m from Welsh Government for active travel (with further details being published shortly). A further bid, in excess of £10m has been submitted for works associated with the tips and a grant worth £5m for flood alleviation projects. He further advised that significant funding for schools is also forthcoming, either fully funded or a shared investment model.
The Leader explained that the programme also includes additional specific investments in areas including Highways, Structures, Parks, Play Areas and Multi-Use Games Areas and other investment areas aligned with the Council’s Corporate Plan. He added that the capital programmes over the last 8 years have averaged out at over £100m per year – so this shows the relentless levels of capital investment that has been going into the communities, improving local infrastructure, boosting local spend for the economy and investing in maintenance costs in the future where the revenue budget is under pressure. The Leader concluded that he is pleased with the way the capital investment is pushed to the front end of services.
Supplementary question from County Borough Councillor S Emanuel:
“Blaenrhondda Park has benefitted from the much-needed investment, can the Leader outline what further investments there will be in this very well used and well-loved local Park?”
Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
The Leader advised that all parks across the county borough have been assessed and this year the council intends to spend £1m on its parks. He explained that there is a real understanding of what exactly is required, and the money is split across different categories such as infrastructure (such as footways, drainage, fencing), the pavilions (changing rooms). The Leader added that the pavilions are costly therefore only a few are refurbished every year. Another programme involves drainage on pitches and now work on nine each year is undertaken across the county borough.
The Leader concluded that the Council would continue to invest in this area.
- Question from County Borough Councillor W. Hughes to the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Council Business, County Borough Councillor M. Webber:
“Can the Deputy Leader provide an update on the Council’s apprenticeship and graduate programmes?”
Response from County Borough Councillor M. Webber:
The Deputy Leader advised that the Apprenticeship and Graduate recruitment for the September 2023 intake has just closed and confirmation that the Council received just over 700 applications for 9 Graduate posts and 49 Apprenticeship opportunities which shows that the Council continues to be an attractive prospect as an employer and residents clearly see us as a good organisation to develop their careers.
The Deputy Leader commented that interviews will be conducted over the next two months with the cohort given a start date of the 4th September 2023. She added that this Administration’s commitment is to provide another 150 apprenticeship and graduate positions over the course of this Council term. This year’s intake builds on the excellent work already undertaken over previous years to provide well-paid, good quality jobs to our residents.
The Deputy Leader explained that in the last Council term, there was a commitment to create 150 apprenticeship and graduate posts. Between 2018 and 2022, a total of 256 positions were created within the Authority, meaning that the Council far exceeded its commitment. Furthermore, since 2012 when the scheme began, a total of 324 apprenticeships and 125 graduate positions have been created.
The Deputy Leader advised that the Council’s Apprenticeship Programme is widely respected and has been recognised for the outstanding opportunities it provides, with the Council having been crowned Macro Employer of the Year at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru in both 2018 and 2021. The Council currently support Trivallis with their apprenticeship scheme and have in the past supported Bridgend and Merthyr Councils.
In conclusion, the Deputy Leader commented that Council Officers have attended numerous meetings and conferences to speak about the apprenticeship programme and was proud to confirm that RCT’s Apprenticeship scheme is known as the flagship programme in Wales.
There was no supplementary question
“Can the Cabinet Member please provide an update on the works to improve Ynysangharad War Memorial Park?”
Response from County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings:
Councillor Crimmings explained that works on the latest round of major improvements to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park are well advanced and will soon be completed with the work being supported by a significant £1.9m investment package from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund, and Council contributions. She added that the construction of the new Canolfan Calon Taf is nearing completion, with only the finishing touches and some snagging works remaining. The goal is to have the Centre fully operational during July.
Councillor Crimmings advised that the Centre will provide dedicated classroom space, an outdoor garden with raised flower beds, and a greenhouse with the intention that it will be a community hub that will encourage learning and active community engagement. She added that the old disused and derelict toilet block is being restored and converted into a Parks staff welfare facility and works are almost complete, with the Contractor currently rendering the outside of the building. The Parks staff have relocated all their equipment into the new facility.
Councillor Crimmings commented that the Bandstand and surrounding area have been fully restored, and planting works are currently underway. The timeline design for the Bandstand floor is almost finished, and this feature will be completed over the next few weeks. She added that work continues on the Sunken Garden area restoration - the perimeter walls and footpath repairs are nearing completion, and the new benches have also arrived. The planting is scheduled to commence shortly.
Councillor Crimmings informed Members that the Project Co-ordinator is facilitating the delivery of courses and activities in the park and also preparing for the planning and execution of the Park’s centenary project, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 6th August, in conjunction with the “Big Welsh Bite” event. The centenary celebration will feature live music from the bandstand, history walks and talks, and family-friendly activities. It promises to be an exciting event for the community to commemorate the Park’s hundredth anniversary.
There was no supplementary question
6. Question from County Borough Councillor R. Williams to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
“In light of the funding shortfall facing councils across Wales for next year, please can the Leader provide an update on discussions with other Council Leaders and Welsh Government?”
Response from County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE:
The Leader commented that discussions between Welsh Government and Council Leaders are held weekly where they continue to press the case for further investment and greater allocations from Welsh Government. He added that the funding outlook for public services over the next three years appears difficult and based on the three- year comprehensive spending review undertaken by the UK Government, the local authority is currently looking to receive an uplift of 3.1% which would leave the Council short in terms of maintaining services next year.
The Leader advised that the picture is similar across Wales with many local authorities reporting a worse situation than in RCT. The Council has managed to balance its budget this year by prioritising appropriately for Schools and Social Care and taking difficult decisions. He added that there is pressure on services as a result of the potential further rise in interest rates which will impact on borrowing and markets. The Leader advised that regular meetings are held with the finance minister to discuss the funding outlook.
The Leader spoke of the ambiguity over how the UK Government will pay for the NHS pay award in England and how the lack of clarity will impact on the consequential for Wales. He added that this is no way to run public services and he hoped that the next few years will improve but assured Council that lobbying will continue with Central Government. He heralded the worth and value of all local authorities and hoped that there will be a change in direction as public services cannot operate effectively on a shoestring.
There was no supplementary question due to the lapse of the allotted time.
Supporting documents:
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