Decisions

The Director of Prosperity and Development provided Members with an update on the innovative methods used by Trivallis in order to spend their 2020/2021 Adaptations Budget as a result of the Covid 19 Pandemic. Details on the wider partnership working that had taken place between RCT and Trivallis in order to provide adapted homes for some of the council’s most vulnerable residents across RCT were also highlighted to Members.

The Director referenced how Trivallis had utilised the 2020/21 adaptations budget underspend, built up due to Covid-19 restrictions, in a more flexible and innovative way, whilst testing out new approaches to meeting the needs of the RCT communities.  The Director continued by adding that the projects delivered, outcomes achieved and feedback from some of the County Boroughs most vulnerable residents in RCT had been very positive evidencing the success of the way in which Trivallis had utilised the adaptations budget and the continued partnership working between the Council and Trivallis in order to meet the needs of the communities. 

The Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development & Housing thanked Trivallis for the adaptions taken forward and referenced the photos contained within the report which reflected the investment made.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note that Trivallis have utilised the housing adaptations budget for 2020/2021, following approval from the council, in a more flexible and innovative way that has delivered much needed adapted properties for our communities.

2.    To recognise the wider partnership work that has taken place between RCT and Trivallis in order to provide adapted homes for some of our most vulnerable residents across RCT. 

3.    For Trivallis to continue to operate this model of delivery, subject to officer approval, for the housing adaptations budget for 2021/2022, in order to deliver adapted properties for our communities in response to the Pandemic.

The Director of Prosperity & Development provided Members with the draft RCT Tourism Strategy which highlighted key tourism related priorities. Members were referred to the public consultation exercise carried out on the draft RCT Tourism Strategy, identifying that overall, respondents were supportive of the Strategy and its contents, and welcome the proposals.

Members were advised that the draft RCT Tourism Strategy has been updated to incorporate some minor amends (brought about from comments put forward during the consultation and from Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee).

The Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development & Housing welcomed the report and referenced the importance of the tourism growth acknowledging the positive affects of the pandemic with the stay at home message in respect of tourism. The Cabinet Member referenced the £179 million brought in by the tourist industry to the RCT economy and also commented on the employment benefits.

The Cabinet Member spoke of the positive consultation feedback and the bright future ahead in the tourism industry within the county borough.

The Deputy Leader spoke of the diverse range of activities across the County Borough and the need to continue to invest within the tourist industry to improve the facilities for all.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.    That following consider of the responses to the public consultation exercise undertaken in respect of the draft RCT Tourism Strategy that no further amendments are required to the proposals, other than those already adopted into the Strategy.

2.    To approve the draft RCT Tourism Strategy as the official strategic document that will underpin the Council’s tourism priorities and efforts.

The Director of Public Health, Protection & Community Services provided Members with an overview of the report before them which sought Cabinet approval for a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Rhondda Cynon Taf. In addition, the Director informed Members of the outcomes of the public consultation exercise undertaken to review the 2018 PSPO and establish public and stakeholder support for a new PSPO which controls alcohol and intoxicating substance related anti-social behaviour in Rhondda Cynon Taf, including two defined exclusion zones to control intoxicating substance use (including alcohol) within Pontypridd and Aberdare Town Centres. 

The Director provided the rational for the new PSPO advising that the proposals needed to be considered as part of a wide range of measures to tackle complex problems such as anti-social behaviour and street drinking.  She added that the PSPO is a useful tool but on its own, it is not a solution to resolve issues. 

Members were advised that the Council have well established and strong partnership links with South Wales Police and other support agencies and would continue to strengthen these relationships to ensure that they use the most appropriate tools available to tackle such behaviour on a case by case basis.

Members were referenced to the data within the report which supported the rationale for the decisions to be taken forward and details of the public consultation undertaken in respect of the proposals were also highlighted to Members.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being & Cultural Services welcomed the proposals and the comments within the public consultation in respect of the addition of a new PSPO and referenced the data within the report which supported this view.  The Member also welcomed the opportunity to review the 2018 PSPO.

The Cabinet Member commented on the need for businesses to have confidence in the PSPO’s and the need to report issues and commented on the frustrations sometimes experienced with current reporting procedures and spoke of the new email service of the police which needed to be further promoted.

With the agreement of the Leader, County Borough Councillor J Brencher addressed the committee on this item, welcoming the introduction of a PSPO.

The Deputy Leader commented on the widespread public support and the need to strengthen the reporting arrangements and spoke of the importance of the partnership arrangements with the police which was paramount to its success. The Deputy Leader also referenced the use of the Pontypridd Bid to assist in tackling problems in Town Centre.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the findings of the review of the PSPO established in 2018 and the public and key stakeholder feedback in relation to the establishment of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to include prohibitions and requirements to control alcohol and intoxicating substances related anti-social behaviour.

2.    To approve a new PSPO for the whole County Borough to control alcohol and intoxicating substance related anti-social behaviour which includes two defined exclusion zones to control intoxicating substance use (including alcohol) in public places within Aberdare and Pontypridd Town Centres.

3.    To approve alterations to the boundary of the 2018 Intoxicating Substances Zone  as outlined in Appendix 2 of the report,  in Pontypridd to include the area around Taff Vale Flats in Lower Graig, the area outside Ty Pennant, Pontypridd and the underpass area adjacent to Pontypridd Bus Station.

4.    To approve a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for a 3 year period to include the same conditions as the 2018 PSPO and give delegated authority to the Director, Public Health, Protection and Community Services to produce the final PSPO relating to Intoxicating Substances including Alcohol and ensure its publication on the Council’s website.

5.    To retain the fine for fixed penalties issued for contraventions of the PSPO at £100.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services presented his Annual report to Members which sets out how the Council's Social Services performed last year, highlighting the direction and priorities set for the year ahead.

Members were provided with an overview of the work undertaken, which also reflected on the  progress made against priorities set out in the previous annual report. Members were informed that the report differs from previous reports insofar as it also contains a specific chapter setting out the services response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has spanned the entire year. The Group Director referenced the profound impact of the covid pandemic on staff and service delivery and the challenging circumstances faced by all.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Welsh Language congratulated the Group Director on his first Annual Report as Director of Social Services and reflected on the momentous events of the previous year due to the covid pandemic, and the affects on staff and users of the service.  The Cabinet Member commented on the challenges faced and the continued delivery of services through the pandemic which was a testament to the dedication, commitment, and efforts of staff, not only in social services but across the whole of the Council.

The Cabinet Member continued by discussing the future visions of the service and the need for public engagement in helping to shape these services to ensure they are fit for purpose.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People welcomed the report and took the opportunity to reference the work of the youth services and their proactive approach to delivery of services for the young people of the County Borough, referencing that just 72 hours after the initial lock down virtual offers were being made to those that needed it.

The Leader echoed the comments of the previous cabinet members and the thanks to staff and commented on the immense pressures facing the social care sector.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Rhondda Cynon Taf Director of Social Services Annual Report attached as Appendix 1 of the report.

The Director of Prosperity and Development sought Cabinet’s approval in respect of the contents of the CIL Annual Monitoring Report and the proposed changes to the Regulation 123 List.

Members were informed that whilst two amendments were needed to the Council’s updated Regulation 123 List (considered at Cabinet on 17th November 2020) the broad thrust of the List remains the same as it proposes transportation and education projects that support and mitigate the growth anticipated through the Council’s Local Development Plan.

The Director referenced the pre-scrutiny undertaken by the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee to assist Cabinet in their deliberations.

The Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development & Housing commented on the lower than previous CIL receipt which was an effect of the covid pandemic.  The Cabinet Member thanked the Members of the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee and also the Members of the Community Liaison Committee and spoke of the importance work of the Community Liaison Committee in supporting Town and Community Councils to develop their own 123 list to demonstrate to the public on the spend.

The Deputy Leader echoed the comments of the Cabinet Member and reflected on the importance of Town and Community Councils taking a proactive approach to developing a 123 list.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

(1)  The CIL Annual Monitoring Report as attached as Appendix A.

(2)  The Regulation 123 List as attached at Appendix B of the report for publication on the Council website for a period of 28 days and consultation as set out in paragraph 5.8 of the report.

(3)  To approve the subsequent adoption of the Regulation 123 List if no adverse comments are received.

The Director of Corporate Estates presented his report to Members which sought authority to designate land currently known as Cwm Clydach Countryside Park at Clydach Vale, Tonypandy (within the Rhondda Fawr Valley) as a Country Park in accordance with the provisions of the Countryside Act 1968.  Members were advised of the rationale for the proposal. 

The Director informed Cabinet that the Country Park designation would allow the Council to erect Tourist Destination signs, to identify the area’s specific status and promote the area to visitors. The Tourism Service would promote the location as part of a wider offer to visitors of the park, which would contribute to the ‘outdoor activity’ theme specified within the Council’s Tourism Strategy.  The designation of the land as a Country Park would also allow the Council and partners to apply for external grant funding to enhance opportunities for residents and visitors and which will have a direct improvement on health and wellbeing of people using the Country Park.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Service commented positively on the proposal and the positive impact this would have on the local area of Clydach Vale which would further raise awareness of the countryside areas within the County Borough. The Member hoped that this designation would be a catalyst to funding into the area.

The Deputy Leader commented on the features in Cwm Clydach Country park and spoke of the enhancements this designation would have on the already existing positive features.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED

1.    To approve the designation of an area of land currently known as Cwm Clydach Countryside Park, measuring approximately 67.2 ha / 166 acres at Clydach Vale, Tonypandy as ‘Cwm Clydach Country Park’ in accordance with the provisions of the Countryside Act 1968

The Director of Finance & Digital Services referred Members to his report which set out the position regarding the opportunity for Cabinet to propose to Council to further invest in the Council’s priority areas, aligned to the Corporate Plan, “Making a Difference” 2020 – 2024. 

The Director commented on the importance of investment in areas supporting key Corporate Plan priorities which had already been recognised by the Council with £123M of additional resources, over and above normal Capital Programme allocations, invested since October 2015.  He explained that the proposed Council report proposes to continue to invest a further £6.5M in key priorities which could be funded by existing resources already set aside for investment in infrastructure.

The Leader spoke of the important investment in respect of infrastructure and highways and spoke of the funding programme which had continued alongside the investment needed following the repairs following Storm Dennis. The Leader spoke of the inconvenience sometimes experienced when such repairs and investment were carried out but spoke of the long term benefits.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services welcomed the extra £6.5m and spoke of investment already taken forward which had been visible across the County Borough.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.    To propose the additional investment and funding arrangements as set out in the report at Appendix A to Council at its meeting on 29th September 2021

The Director Highways and Frontline Services provided an overview of his report which provided detail of the review of the regulation, awareness and enforcement of flood and water legislation to be undertaken within the Council following Storm Dennis.

The Director also took the opportunity to further advise members in regard to the implementation of an enhanced Flood Awareness and Enforcement team and increased regulation via the enactment of Land Drainage Byelaws under S66 of the Land Drainage Act 1991.

Members were advised that the Welsh Government’s National Flood Risk Strategy published in October 2020 triggers the requirement under S10 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 for the Council as Lead Local Flood Authority to review the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. It was therefore highlighted of the opportunity to set a sustainable strategy to manage flood risk and build resilience and facilitate adaption for future generations. 

The adoption of the byelaws and creation of the enforcement team and flooding awareness and support officer would also help protect the assets the Council have, prevent new risks from being created, build resilience within communities and ultimately help communities adapt to this particular consequence of climate change, whilst providing valuable information to feed into the Local Flood Risk Strategy Review to provide a robust strategy to manage the increasing risk of flooding through climate change.

The Leader of the Council referenced the report presented to Cabinet in December 2020 and the resulting recommendations taken forward, referencing the need for an enforcement officer with particular reference to water courses on private land and the need to raise awareness within communities and make communities more resilient to flood prevent.

The Deputy Leader commented on previous flooding within her ward and referenced the support provided by Newydd Housing, providing a high level of protection to its residents and the duty imposed on landlords to their tenants.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure & Heritage welcomed the creation of the enforcement team and the need for the Council to work with communities to ensure communities are working proactively rather than reactively to any flooding.

With the agreement of the Leader, County Borough Councillor P Jarman addressed the Committee at this juncture in the meeting to which the Leader responded advising that with Member’s agreement, a Members Briefing session in respect of the byelaws could be provided to all Members ahead of a report to Council at the end of the month.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To the creation of an enforcement team and post as indicated in Section 4.3 and Section 7 of the report.

2.    To the creation of a flooding awareness and support officer post as indicated in Section 4.4 of the report

3.    That officers commence the process for the adoption of the drainage byelaws and refer the matter to Council for consideration, with a briefing session provided to all Members prior to the Council meeting.

4.    To note the proposal to review the practical operational implications within 12 months of establishing the new byelaws and enforcement team to consider resourcing implications based on actual workload.

5.    That the financial implications for the current year are met from existing resources and to update the Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2022/23 onwards with the additional ongoing revenue costs

The Service Director, Frontline Services provided an overview of his report which proposed a pilot programme of works to private streets which the Council considers are not, to the Council’s satisfaction, sewered, levelled, paved, metalled, flagged, channelled, made good and lighted. Members were advised that there are approximately 190km of identified private streets across RCT along with an unknown quantity of unidentified private streets commenting that more than 90% of private streets had been identified.

Members were advised that Welsh Government had allocated funding to a pilot project to assist councils to carry out works to bring private streets up to a suitable standard and to adopt them as highways maintainable at public expense.  It was advised that the Council successfully bid for £157,000 of funding to carry out private streetworks at Belle Vue, and the Director sought the Council’s approval to progress private streetworks at Belle Vue, Trecynon utilising Welsh Government grant funding.

The Leader referenced his involvement in a welsh government working group looking at such issues as this was a problem experienced across Wales.  The Leader referenced the funding received from Welsh Government and the suggested area for this investment in Belle Vue and also referenced the other 6 pilot areas identified by the Council.  The Leader commented on the positive engagement with residents taken forward.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Heritage Services welcomed the pilot programme and the funding received from Welsh Government.

At this juncture in the meeting, County Borough Councillor P Jarman addressed the Committee.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note and approve the streets listed in Appendix A of the report which are proposed to make up the pilot project.

2.    To Determine that the streets listed in Appendix A are not, to the authority’s satisfaction, sewered, levelled, paved, metalled, flagged, channelled, made good and lighted.

3.    To instruct the Service Director Frontline Services to prepare schemes, estimates and provisional apportionments and to present these for approval in a future report to the Group Director Prosperity, Development and Frontline Services for consideration and approval in liaison with the portfolio holder.

4.    To note and approve the proposed works and estimate for Belle Vue, Trecynon as shown in appendix B of the report. 

5.    That no costs will be apportioned to the property frontagers

The Service Director of 21^st Century Schools and Transformation advised Members of the outcome of the recent publication of a Statutory Notice in respect of the proposal to carry out a regulated alteration to Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn-y-Forwyn (“YGG Llyn-y-Forwyn”), by way of transferring the school to a new building on a new site.

Members were advised that following the Cabinet meeting held on the 17th June 2021, a decision was taken to progress to the next phase of the statutory process and to publish the required Statutory Notice. The Statutory Notice was published on 25th June 2021 which triggered the commencement of the Objection Period.  This ran for a period of 28 days and Members were advised that no objections or comments were submitted during this period.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Inclusion commented on the ambitious scheme being taken forward and the need to transform the school to ensure the best education for the young people of the County Borough. The Cabinet Member spoke of the positive response to the scheme which was further emphasised as no objections had been received during the objections period.

The Deputy Leader welcomed the further investment into the schools within the County Borough which was echoed by the Leader.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED

1.    To note that no objections or comments were received in response to the publication of the statutory notice to progress this proposal.

2.    To implement the proposal with no amendments.

3.    To receive further reports as the project develops and progresses through the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges approval processes.

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications provided Members with the Annual Report of the Corporate Parenting Board for the 2020 – 2021 Municipal Year which outlined the work of the Board throughout the Municipal Year.  Members were advised that the report also featured the priority areas the Board would be considering in the future ensuring that the Council provides continuous improvement to the services that it delivers for its children and young people within the Looked After System.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Young People and Chair of the Board took the opportunity to thank all Board Members for their work over the last Municipal year as reflected in the report and positive work taken forward within the service for the benefits of the children and young people within the Looked After System and also put on record her thanks to the staff within the service for continuing to deliver during the pandemic.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Welsh Language echoed the comments made and as Vice Chair of the Board paid tribute to the Chair for stewardship during the year.

It was RESOLVED

1.    To note the Annual Report of the Corporate Parenting Board for the Municipal Year 2020/21

The Service Director, Finance & Improvement provided Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, based on the first three months of this financial year (to the 30th June 2021).

The Service Director advised that the report was set in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to pose significant challenges in the delivery of Council Services alongside on-going significant additional costs and income losses that have, to date, been funded in the majority of cases by Welsh Government.

Members were advised that the Quarter 1 revenue budget position was projecting a £0.415M overspend, which was an early projection for the full year and reflects the impact of forecasted changes in demand through to year-end, with key pressures being primarily within Adult Social Care and Children’s Services, and takes account of forecasted additional costs and income losses as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic (that are assumed to be fully funded by Welsh Government).  The Service Director advised that work will continue to closely monitor the Council’s financial position, refresh financial forecasts as updated information becomes available and continue to engage with Welsh Government to highlight the importance of providing additional funding to support the financial implications of Covid-19 and also on-going permanent cost pressures.

In respect of Capital investment as at 30th June 2021 this stood at £10.624M, with a number of schemes being re-profiled during the quarter to reflect changes in costs and also new external grant funding approvals received. The expenditure to date represents the continuation of a long-term programme of investment that is supporting visible improvements to infrastructure and assets across the County Borough, taking account of Covid-19 safety requirements.

With regard to the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities of People, Places and Prosperity, overall, good progress has been made during the first three months of the year.

The Service Director concluded his report by advising of the third progress update on the delivery of recommendations to enhance the Council’s response to extreme weather events, which shows a positive position, with key actions being taken forward that provide a clear direction for the future.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services thanked officers for the report and commented on the projected overspend and the pressures facing the Council in respect of social services and the need for continued support from Welsh Government to assist in easing these pressures.  The Cabinet Member welcomed the continued investment in the capital programme and the continued works undertaken which ran alongside the remedial works needed across the County Borough following the adverse weather conditions.  The Cabinet Member paid tribute to Council staff and spoke of the additional pressures placed on services due to the covid pandemic which may have had an affect on the slight rise in sickness levels.

The Cabinet Member continued by providing a detailed overview of the positive works of the Council in a range of different services which primarily looked at improving the services provided to the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Leader echoed the comments of the Cabinet Member and spoke of the continuation by the Council of core services during the pandemic and also the evolution of new services to help support residents and partners during this time, with Innovative ways of thinking and delivering of services to ensure the safety of all.

The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of Council staff during the pandemic and beyond.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Welsh Language spoke of the pressures placed on the social care sector and the need for Welsh Government to be alive to the pressures and the need for additional support within this area and again paid tribute to the staff in this sector for going above and beyond for the benefit of others.

The Leader commented that the pressures with social care were acute across Wales and welcomed any additional funding that could be secured from Welsh Government.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.       To note the on-going impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on service delivery and, in parallel, the re-introduction of services as Covid-19 restrictions are gradually lifted

Revenue

2.       To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 30th June 2021 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary) and note the incorporation of Welsh Government Covid-19 funding into this position to support on-going service delivery

Capital

3.       To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 30th June 2021 (Sections 3a – e of the Executive Summary).

4.       To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 30th June 2021 (Section 3f of the Executive Summary).

Corporate Plan Priorities

5.       To note the Quarter 1 progress updates for the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities (Sections 5 a – c of the Executive Summary).

6.       To note the progress update to enhance the Council’s Short term and long-term response to extreme weather events (section 6 of the Executive Summary)

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication provided Cabinet Members with a draft work programme for the 2021-2022 Municipal Year, which listed matters requiring consideration by Cabinet.  

Members were referred to Appendix 1 of the report and were advised that the programme is a live document to allow for any additional / deletion of reports throughout the year. The Service Director reminded Members that in response to the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, at the Council’s 26th Annual General Meeting, it was agreed that further detail would be provided within the Cabinet Work Programme going forward to allow sufficient opportunity for consultation and pre-scrutiny and as such, the Council’s constitution had been amended to reflect those changes.

The Service Director informed Members that the content of the Work Programme would support discussions between Scrutiny Chairs and Cabinet Members at future engagement sessions and subsequently assist development of the future Work Programmes of the Scrutiny Committees.

The Deputy Leader noted the content of the draft work programme and commented that the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021 requires information about forthcoming executive decisions must be made available to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to ensure the Committees are best informed to undertake and better plan their work. The Deputy Leader acknowledged that the development of an accurate and robust Cabinet Work Programme would further strengthen the robust Governance arrangements within the Local Authority.

It was RESOLVED to approve the Work Programme for the 2021-2022 Municipal Year (with appropriate amendment where necessary) and to receive a further update on a 3 monthly basis.