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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED that the decisions be approved and confirmed as a true record of proceedings.
RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed and the following be agreed: - the engagement approach undertaken for the Blaenau Gwent Deal had been sufficiently robust and effective in building trust, fostering shared responsibility and empowering communities; and the Blaenau Gwent Deal principles, developed by the community.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that: - The 2026/2027 Fees & Charges Register (Appendix 1), be approved which included: • A standard uplift of 3% in line with the MTFS inflation assumption / Bridging the Gap Proposal or • A proposed alternative fee - Delegated authority be granted to the Strategic Director of Adults & Communities to set the 2026/2027 fees and charges relating to externally commissioned social care provision and Cwrt Mytton. - The core fees and charges proposed by the Aneurin Leisure Trust (Appendix 2) be approved.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely: - the 2026/2027 Revenue Budget be approved; - the Council Tax uplift of 3.75% and the Council Tax Resolutions be approved – see below: 5.1.23/5.1.25 The Cabinet agreed at its meeting on 23rd February, 2026, a Council Tax increase of 3.75% for the 2026/2027 financial year. As a result, the Blaenau Gwent Council element of the full council tax charge would be:- Valuation Bands (£) A B C D E F G H I 1,393.67 1,625.94 1,858.22 2,090.50 2,555.06 3,019.61 3,484.17 4,181.00 4,877.83 5.1.26 At its meeting on 24th November, 2025 the Council agreed the Council Tax base for tax setting purposes to be 21,210.13 for 2026/27, this being the total number of chargeable dwellings in each area adjusted for a number of items e.g., discounts payable, multiplied by the assumed collection rate of 95.5%. 5.1.28 In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the amount of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate were: Council Tax Base Community Council Area 4,673.98 Abertillery & Llanhilleth 1,734.33 Brynmawr 2,733.13 Nantyglo & Blaina 4,786.75 Tredegar 5.1.29 The above representing the number of chargeable dwellings to which the Town & Community Council’s precept would apply. 5.1.31 That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2026/2027 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and sections 47 and 49 of the Local Government Act 1988 (as amended): a £210,451,190 Being the aggregate of the amounts the Council estimates for the items set out in section 32(2) (a) to (d) of the Act less the aggregate of the amounts the Council estimates for the items set out in section 32 (3) (a) and (c) of the Act calculates by the Council, in accordance with section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the year. b £208,000 Being the amount the Authority estimates in relation to Sections 47 and 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 1 of the Local Government and Rating Act 1997, for discretionary non-domestic rate relief. c £165,530,000 Being the aggregate of the sums which the Council estimates would be payable for the year into its Council fund in respect of redistributed non-domestic rates, revenue support grant and additional grant. d £2,127.72 Being the amount at (a) above plus the amount at (b) above and less the amount at (c) above, all divided by the amount at 5.1.3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year. e £789,410 Being the aggregate amount of all special items referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (Town and Community Precepts). f £2,090.50 Being the amount at (d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at (e) above by the amount at 5.1.3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special item relates. 5.1.32 The amounts given by adding to the amount at (f) above the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council's area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at 5.1.3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate were: Band D Equivalent Community Council Area g 2,185.84 Abertillery & Llanhilleth 2,119.33 Brynmawr 2,132.58 Nantyglo & Blaina 2,127.85 Tredegar 5.1.33 The amounts given by multiplying the amounts at (f) and (g) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in section 5(1) of the Act, was applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation Band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands were: The County Borough Tax including Community Precepts Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H I Abertillery & Llanhilleth 1,457.23 1,700.09 1,942.97 2,185.84 2,671.59 3,157.32 3,643.07 4,371.68 5,100.29 Brynmawr 1,412.89 1,648.36 1,883.85 2,119.33 2,590.30 3,061.25 3,532.22 4,238.66 4,945.10 Nantyglo & Blaina 1,421.72 1,658.67 1,895.62 2,132.58 2,606.49 3,080.39 3,554.30 4,265.16 4,976.02 Tredegar 1,418.57 1,654.99 1,891.42 2,127.85 2,600.71 3,073.56 3,546.42 4,255.70 4,964.98 Ebbw Vale 1,393.67 1,625.94 1,858.22 2,090.50 2,555.06 3,019.61 3,484.17 4,181.00 4,877.83 5.1.34 That it be noted that for the year 2026/2027 the Gwent Office of Police and Crime Commissioner had stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council (totalling £8,558,924), in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown: Gwent Office of Police and Crime Commissioner Valuation Bands (£) A B C D E F G H I 269.02 313.86 358.69 403.53 493.20 582.88 672.55 807.06 941.57 5.1.35 That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (g) and 5.1.9 above, the Council, in accordance with section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2026/27 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below: The Full Tax of the County Borough Tax including Police and Community Precepts Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H I Abertillery & Llanhilleth 1,726.25 2,013.95 2,301.66 2,589.37 3,164.79 3,740.20 4,315.62 5,178.74 6,041.86 Brynmawr 1,681.91 1,962.22 2,242.54 2,522.86 3,083.50 3,644.13 4,204.77 5,045.72 5,886.67 Nantyglo & Blaina 1,690.74 1,972.53 2,254.31 2,536.11 3,099.69 3,663.27 4,226.85 5,.072.22 5,917.59 Tredegar 1,687.59 1,968.85 2,250.11 2,531.38 3,093.91 3,656.44 4,218.97 5,062.76 5,906.55 Ebbw Vale 1,662.69 1,939.80 2,216.91 2,494.03 3,048.26 3,602.49 4,156.72 4,988.06 5,819.40 - The statutory budget requirement of £210,451,190 (as outlined in paragraphs 5.1.30a and 5.1.36) be approved. - The Medium Term Financial Strategy be approved.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 2 be endorsed, namely that the treasury management activity undertaken during the first six months of 2025/2026 be noted. No amendments were made to the previously agreed Treasury Strategies and performance indicators. It was agreed at this juncture, that Item No. 22 – Pay Policy Statement 2026/2027 be considered as the final item of business
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that it was confirmed that the statutory duty imposed by the Act had been met.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that the revised Terms of Reference for the Governance & Audit Committee be agreed.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 3 be endorsed, namely that the Blaenau Gwent RLDP be withdrawn and a Joint Blaenau Gwent Torfaen LDP 2026-2041 commence (Adoption in June 2030).
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that the Future Travel Blaenau Gwent document be approved as the first response to the Blaenau Gwent Citizen’s Forum from the Council. Councillors J. Holt and R. Leadbeater left the meeting at this juncture.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that the grant of a 25-year lease of the property, shown edged red on the plan, to Bedwellty Park Bowls Club be approved.
RESOLVED that Council: Formally support the campaign for fair and timely compensation for WASPI women and that the Leader of Council write to UK Government Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, calling for swift implementation of a fair compensation scheme.
RESOLVED that the above appointments be endorsed
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that - the Pay Policy Statement 2026/2027 be approved; and - the retrospective payment to an interim officer that was seconded into a joint role across the federated councils be ratified and paid on the joint pay structure.
It was noted that no requests had been received for the simultaneous translation service.
An apology for absence was received from the Joint Strategic Director Adults & Communities.
The following declarations of interest were reported: Item No. 22: Pay Policy Statement 2026/2027 - Stephen Vickers - Joint Chief Executive - Luisa Munro-Morris - Deputy Chief Executive/Strategic Director of Children, Young People & Families - Mark Thomas - Joint Director Neighbourhoods & Environment - Christina Harrhy - Acting Joint Director of Economy & Place - Rhian Hayden - Strategic Director of Corporate Services - Andrea Prosser - Director of Transformation & Delivery - Andrea Jones - Head of Legal & Corporate Compliance - Gemma Wasley - Head of Governance & Assurance - Gina Taylor - Head of Financial Services - Andrew Parker - Service Manager - Strategic Policy and Data - Louise Horner - Team Manager – Estates & Strategic Asset Management - John Raine - Development Plans Team Manager - Louise Bishop - Team Leader – Corporate Communications - Ceri Edwards-Brown – Democratic Officer The Monitoring Officer confirmed that the above-named officers would leave the meeting whilst this item of business was conducted, with the exception of the following officers who would remain in the meeting: - Rhian Hayden – Strategic Director of Corporate Services (report author) - Andrea Jones – Head of Legal & Corporate Compliance/Monitoring Officer (advisor) - Ceri Edwards-Brown – Democratic Officer (minute clerk)
Congratulations Congratulations were extended to: Dorothy James from Abertillery who had recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the decisions be approved and confirmed as a true record of proceedings.
The Decision Book for the period December 2025 – February 2026 was submitted for consideration. It was unanimously, RESOLVED that the decisions be approved and confirmed as a true record of proceedings.
Agreed.
Agreed.
Agreed.
Agreed.
Agreed.
Members were advised that as representatives of the Citizens Assembly who had been involved in the development of the principles for the Blaenau Gwent Deal (Item No. 18) were in attendance to observe the meeting, it had been agreed that this report would be considered at this juncture.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed and the following be agreed: - the engagement approach undertaken for the Blaenau Gwent Deal had been sufficiently robust and effective in building trust, fostering shared responsibility and empowering communities; and the Blaenau Gwent Deal principles, developed by the community.
Members considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive Blaenau Gwent/Strategic Director Children, Young People and Families. In relation to a point raised, the Joint Chief Executive gave an assurance that for the purposes of openness and transparency, a range of plans including the Transformation Plan, Business Delivery Plan and work specifically connected to the missions would be presented to Council on a bi-annual basis. It was unanimously, RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed and the following be agreed: - the engagement approach undertaken for the Blaenau Gwent Deal had been sufficiently robust and effective in building trust, fostering shared responsibility and empowering communities; and the Blaenau Gwent Deal principles, developed by the community.
The following question was received from Councillor Helen Cunningham and was responded to by Councillor John C Morgan, Cabinet Member Economy & Place: Question: “Would the Cabinet Member for Economy and Place outline the Council's strategic regeneration ambitions for the Lower Ebbw Fach Valley?” Response: The Council’s regeneration policies were guided by the Blueprint for Growth which was due to be considered by Scrutiny on 10th March and then subsequently, by Full Council. The blueprint set out a clear, long term strategy focussed on investment, placemaking, planning and property to deliver sustainable economic growth across the County Borough including the Ebbw Fach Valley. In the first year, the Council was concentrating on actions to strengthen town centres, prepare key sites for future investment, support local businesses and communities. Enhanced town centres remained a core priority together with improving public spaces, encouraging business diversification together with bringing forward development opportunities to support the broader regeneration. The blueprint provided a coordinated, evidence based approach to creating new jobs, attracting investment and supporting community led regeneration to ensure the valley continued to develop as a vibrant well connected and sustainable place. Significantly, a certain amount of regeneration had already taken place in the Lower Ebbw Fach Valley including the multi million pound investment in the new railway station at Llanhilleth and the railway line itself. The Council continued to actively lobby UK Government and Welsh Government Ministers for further investment, notably for the proposed railway spur at Abertillery. Working alongside Ward Members, Welsh Government funding had been secured to regenerate and repurpose the Llanhilleth Pit Head Baths, a community led project which would protect and improve the local landscape and the landmark, providing long-term community benefits. Additionally, SPF funding for Llanhilleth Miners Institute had recently been awarded to further develop the programme of activity in order to strengthen this much loved facility, with a roll out of new facilities for the community. In conclusion, the Cabinet Member said that the Lower Ebbw Fach Valley remained a central part of a wider regeneration programme and this significant investment would continue to be built on in years to come. Supplementary Question: The Pit Head Baths in Llanhilleth had been a scourge on the village for generations and was now due to be demolished in August. Could an assurance be given that the demolition was on track to go ahead in August and that the communications around the demolition would be with residents and Ward Members, and they would be transparent and have appropriate community involvement. Response: The Cabinet Member advised that a meeting was due to take place in the next few weeks with Ward Members where the programme would be outlined together with the schedule of dates for the work to be undertaken. This was a project championed by the Ward Members and he gave an assurance that officers were working fully to ensure that all aspects would be transparent. The blueprint did not focus on one particular area, this was an ambitious programme, with the Pit Head Baths being one of the first projects to come forward. The Cabinet Member concluded by stating that he very much looked forward to seeing this project come to fruition.
There were no questions submitted by members of the public.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that: - The 2026/2027 Fees & Charges Register (Appendix 1), be approved which included: • A standard uplift of 3% in line with the MTFS inflation assumption / Bridging the Gap Proposal or • A proposed alternative fee - Delegated authority be granted to the Strategic Director of Adults & Communities to set the 2026/2027 fees and charges relating to externally commissioned social care provision and Cwrt Mytton. - The core fees and charges proposed by the Aneurin Leisure Trust (Appendix 2) be approved.
Consideration was given to the report of the Strategic Director of Corporate Services. It was noted that the pre-application fees outlined in Appendix 3 superseded those considered by Scrutiny and Cabinet in earlier reports. A recorded vote was requested in respect of this item: In Support of Option 1: Councillors P. Baldwin, S. Behr, D. Bevan, K. Chaplin, M. Cross, H. Cunningham, D. Davies, G. A. Davies, M. Day, S. Edmunds, J. Gardner, J. Hill, W. Hodgins, J. Holt, G. Humphreys, R. Leadbeater, E. Jones, J. Morgan, J.P., J. C. Morgan, J.P. Morgan, L. Parsons, D. Rowberry, C. Smith, T. Smith, G. Thomas, J. Thomas, S. Thomas, H. Trollope, J. Wilkins, D. Wilkshire, L. Winnett and D. Woods. Councillor J. Millard abstained voting. RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that: - The 2026/2027 Fees & Charges Register (Appendix 1), be approved which included: • A standard uplift of 3% in line with the MTFS inflation assumption / Bridging the Gap Proposal or • A proposed alternative fee - Delegated authority be granted to the Strategic Director of Adults & Communities to set the 2026/2027 fees and charges relating to externally commissioned social care provision and Cwrt Mytton. - The core fees and charges proposed by the Aneurin Leisure Trust (Appendix 2) be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely: - the 2026/2027 Revenue Budget be approved; - the Council Tax uplift of 3.75% and the Council Tax Resolutions be approved – see below: 5.1.23/5.1.25 The Cabinet agreed at its meeting on 23rd February, 2026, a Council Tax increase of 3.75% for the 2026/2027 financial year. As a result, the Blaenau Gwent Council element of the full council tax charge would be:- Valuation Bands (£) A B C D E F G H I 1,393.67 1,625.94 1,858.22 2,090.50 2,555.06 3,019.61 3,484.17 4,181.00 4,877.83 5.1.26 At its meeting on 24th November, 2025 the Council agreed the Council Tax base for tax setting purposes to be 21,210.13 for 2026/27, this being the total number of chargeable dwellings in each area adjusted for a number of items e.g., discounts payable, multiplied by the assumed collection rate of 95.5%. 5.1.28 In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the amount of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate were: Council Tax Base Community Council Area 4,673.98 Abertillery & Llanhilleth 1,734.33 Brynmawr 2,733.13 Nantyglo & Blaina 4,786.75 Tredegar 5.1.29 The above representing the number of chargeable dwellings to which the Town & Community Council’s precept would apply. 5.1.31 That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2026/2027 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and sections 47 and 49 of the Local Government Act 1988 (as amended): a £210,451,190 Being the aggregate of the amounts the Council estimates for the items set out in section 32(2) (a) to (d) of the Act less the aggregate of the amounts the Council estimates for the items set out in section 32 (3) (a) and (c) of the Act calculates by the Council, in accordance with section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the year. b £208,000 Being the amount the Authority estimates in relation to Sections 47 and 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 1 of the Local Government and Rating Act 1997, for discretionary non-domestic rate relief. c £165,530,000 Being the aggregate of the sums which the Council estimates would be payable for the year into its Council fund in respect of redistributed non-domestic rates, revenue support grant and additional grant. d £2,127.72 Being the amount at (a) above plus the amount at (b) above and less the amount at (c) above, all divided by the amount at 5.1.3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year. e £789,410 Being the aggregate amount of all special items referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (Town and Community Precepts). f £2,090.50 Being the amount at (d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at (e) above by the amount at 5.1.3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special item relates. 5.1.32 The amounts given by adding to the amount at (f) above the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council's area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at 5.1.3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate were: Band D Equivalent Community Council Area g 2,185.84 Abertillery & Llanhilleth 2,119.33 Brynmawr 2,132.58 Nantyglo & Blaina 2,127.85 Tredegar 5.1.33 The amounts given by multiplying the amounts at (f) and (g) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in section 5(1) of the Act, was applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation Band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands were: The County Borough Tax including Community Precepts Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H I Abertillery & Llanhilleth 1,457.23 1,700.09 1,942.97 2,185.84 2,671.59 3,157.32 3,643.07 4,371.68 5,100.29 Brynmawr 1,412.89 1,648.36 1,883.85 2,119.33 2,590.30 3,061.25 3,532.22 4,238.66 4,945.10 Nantyglo & Blaina 1,421.72 1,658.67 1,895.62 2,132.58 2,606.49 3,080.39 3,554.30 4,265.16 4,976.02 Tredegar 1,418.57 1,654.99 1,891.42 2,127.85 2,600.71 3,073.56 3,546.42 4,255.70 4,964.98 Ebbw Vale 1,393.67 1,625.94 1,858.22 2,090.50 2,555.06 3,019.61 3,484.17 4,181.00 4,877.83 5.1.34 That it be noted that for the year 2026/2027 the Gwent Office of Police and Crime Commissioner had stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council (totalling £8,558,924), in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown: Gwent Office of Police and Crime Commissioner Valuation Bands (£) A B C D E F G H I 269.02 313.86 358.69 403.53 493.20 582.88 672.55 807.06 941.57 5.1.35 That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (g) and 5.1.9 above, the Council, in accordance with section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2026/27 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below: The Full Tax of the County Borough Tax including Police and Community Precepts Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H I Abertillery & Llanhilleth 1,726.25 2,013.95 2,301.66 2,589.37 3,164.79 3,740.20 4,315.62 5,178.74 6,041.86 Brynmawr 1,681.91 1,962.22 2,242.54 2,522.86 3,083.50 3,644.13 4,204.77 5,045.72 5,886.67 Nantyglo & Blaina 1,690.74 1,972.53 2,254.31 2,536.11 3,099.69 3,663.27 4,226.85 5,.072.22 5,917.59 Tredegar 1,687.59 1,968.85 2,250.11 2,531.38 3,093.91 3,656.44 4,218.97 5,062.76 5,906.55 Ebbw Vale 1,662.69 1,939.80 2,216.91 2,494.03 3,048.26 3,602.49 4,156.72 4,988.06 5,819.40 - The statutory budget requirement of £210,451,190 (as outlined in paragraphs 5.1.30a and 5.1.36) be approved. - The Medium Term Financial Strategy be approved.
Members considered the report of the Strategic Director Corporate Services. A Member suggested the following alternative proposal: - A Council Tax increase of 2.8% which would require an additional £302,000 savings which could be realised by: · Increasing discretionary fees and charges by 4% - £90,000. · Increasing trade waste by 12% - £39,000. · Reducing the Aneurin Leisure Trust Management Fee by £100,000. · As part of the federated model approach, a merger of back office services such as H.R., Payroll and Finance - £100,000. It was noted that the above proposals totalled £329,000 which could be utilised to offset the reduction in Council Tax from 3.75% to 2.8%. For the record, the following Members voted In Support of the Option 1: Councillors P. Baldwin, S. Behr, D. Bevan, K. Chaplin, M. Cross, H. Cunningham, D. Davies, G. A. Davies, M. Day, S. Edmunds, J. Gardner, J. Hill, W. Hodgins, J. Holt, G. Humphreys, R. Leadbeater, E. Jones, J. Morgan, J.P., J. C. Morgan, J.P. Morgan, L. Parsons, D. Rowberry, C. Smith, T. Smith, G. Thomas, J. Thomas, S. Thomas, H. Trollope, J. Wilkins, D. Wilkshire, L. Winnett and D. Woods. Councillor Jonathan Millard voted Against Option 1. It was, thereupon, RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely: - the 2026/2027 Revenue Budget be approved; - the Council Tax uplift of 3.75% and the Council Tax Resolutions be approved – see below: 5.1.23/5.1.25 The Cabinet agreed at its meeting on 23rd February, 2026, a Council Tax increase of 3.75% for the 2026/2027 financial year. As a result, the Blaenau Gwent Council element of the full council tax charge would be:- Valuation Bands (£) A B C D E F G H I 1,393.67 1,625.94 1,858.22 2,090.50 2,555.06 3,019.61 3,484.17 4,181.00 4,877.83 5.1.26 At its meeting on 24th November, 2025 the Council agreed the Council Tax base for tax setting purposes to be 21,210.13 for 2026/27, this being the total number of chargeable dwellings in each area adjusted for a number of items e.g., discounts payable, multiplied by the assumed collection rate of 95.5%. 5.1.28 In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the amount of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate were: Council Tax Base Community Council Area 4,673.98 Abertillery & Llanhilleth 1,734.33 Brynmawr 2,733.13 Nantyglo & Blaina 4,786.75 Tredegar 5.1.29 The above representing the number of chargeable dwellings to which the Town & Community Council’s precept would apply. 5.1.31 That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2026/2027 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and sections 47 and 49 of the Local Government Act 1988 (as amended): a £210,451,190 Being the aggregate of the amounts the Council estimates for the items set out in section 32(2) (a) to (d) of the Act less the aggregate of the amounts the Council estimates for the items set out in section 32 (3) (a) and (c) of the Act calculates by the Council, in accordance with section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the year. b £208,000 Being the amount the Authority estimates in relation to Sections 47 and 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended by Schedule 1 of the Local Government and Rating Act 1997, for discretionary non-domestic rate relief. c £165,530,000 Being the aggregate of the sums which the Council estimates would be payable for the year into its Council fund in respect of redistributed non-domestic rates, revenue support grant and additional grant. d £2,127.72 Being the amount at (a) above plus the amount at (b) above and less the amount at (c) above, all divided by the amount at 5.1.3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year. e £789,410 Being the aggregate amount of all special items referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (Town and Community Precepts). f £2,090.50 Being the amount at (d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at (e) above by the amount at 5.1.3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special item relates. 5.1.32 The amounts given by adding to the amount at (f) above the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council's area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at 5.1.3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate were: Band D Equivalent Community Council Area g 2,185.84 Abertillery & Llanhilleth 2,119.33 Brynmawr 2,132.58 Nantyglo & Blaina 2,127.85 Tredegar 5.1.33 The amounts given by multiplying the amounts at (f) and (g) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in section 5(1) of the Act, was applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation Band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands were: The County Borough Tax including Community Precepts Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H I Abertillery & Llanhilleth 1,457.23 1,700.09 1,942.97 2,185.84 2,671.59 3,157.32 3,643.07 4,371.68 5,100.29 Brynmawr 1,412.89 1,648.36 1,883.85 2,119.33 2,590.30 3,061.25 3,532.22 4,238.66 4,945.10 Nantyglo & Blaina 1,421.72 1,658.67 1,895.62 2,132.58 2,606.49 3,080.39 3,554.30 4,265.16 4,976.02 Tredegar 1,418.57 1,654.99 1,891.42 2,127.85 2,600.71 3,073.56 3,546.42 4,255.70 4,964.98 Ebbw Vale 1,393.67 1,625.94 1,858.22 2,090.50 2,555.06 3,019.61 3,484.17 4,181.00 4,877.83 5.1.34 That it be noted that for the year 2026/2027 the Gwent Office of Police and Crime Commissioner had stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council (totalling £8,558,924), in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown: Gwent Office of Police and Crime Commissioner Valuation Bands (£) A B C D E F G H I 269.02 313.86 358.69 403.53 493.20 582.88 672.55 807.06 941.57 5.1.35 That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (g) and 5.1.9 above, the Council, in accordance with section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2026/27 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below: The Full Tax of the County Borough Tax including Police and Community Precepts Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H I Abertillery & Llanhilleth 1,726.25 2,013.95 2,301.66 2,589.37 3,164.79 3,740.20 4,315.62 5,178.74 6,041.86 Brynmawr 1,681.91 1,962.22 2,242.54 2,522.86 3,083.50 3,644.13 4,204.77 5,045.72 5,886.67 Nantyglo & Blaina 1,690.74 1,972.53 2,254.31 2,536.11 3,099.69 3,663.27 4,226.85 5,.072.22 5,917.59 Tredegar 1,687.59 1,968.85 2,250.11 2,531.38 3,093.91 3,656.44 4,218.97 5,062.76 5,906.55 Ebbw Vale 1,662.69 1,939.80 2,216.91 2,494.03 3,048.26 3,602.49 4,156.72 4,988.06 5,819.40 - The statutory budget requirement of £210,451,190 (as outlined in paragraphs 5.1.30a and 5.1.36) be approved. - The Medium Term Financial Strategy be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 2 be endorsed, namely that the treasury management activity undertaken during the first six months of 2025/2026 be noted. No amendments were made to the previously agreed Treasury Strategies and performance indicators. It was agreed at this juncture, that Item No. 22 – Pay Policy Statement 2026/2027 be considered as the final item of business
Consideration was given to the report of the Strategic Director Corporate Services. It was unanimously, RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 2 be endorsed, namely that the treasury management activity undertaken during the first six months of 2025/2026 be noted. No amendments were made to the previously agreed Treasury Strategies and performance indicators. It was agreed at this juncture, that Item No. 22 – Pay Policy Statement 2026/2027 be considered as the final item of business
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that it was confirmed that the statutory duty imposed by the Act had been met.
Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Legal & Corporate Compliance/Monitoring Officer. It was unanimously, RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that it was confirmed that the statutory duty imposed by the Act had been met.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that the revised Terms of Reference for the Governance & Audit Committee be agreed.
Members considered the report of the Data Protection and Governance Officer. It was unanimously, RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that the revised Terms of Reference for the Governance & Audit Committee be agreed.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 3 be endorsed, namely that the Blaenau Gwent RLDP be withdrawn and a Joint Blaenau Gwent Torfaen LDP 2026-2041 commence (Adoption in June 2030).
Consideration was given to the report of the Acting Joint Director of Economy & Place. It was unanimously, RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 3 be endorsed, namely that the Blaenau Gwent RLDP be withdrawn and a Joint Blaenau Gwent Torfaen LDP 2026-2041 commence (Adoption in June 2030).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that the Future Travel Blaenau Gwent document be approved as the first response to the Blaenau Gwent Citizen’s Forum from the Council. Councillors J. Holt and R. Leadbeater left the meeting at this juncture.
The report of the Deputy Chief Executive Blaenau Gwent /Strategic Director Children, Young People and Families. It was unanimously, RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that the Future Travel Blaenau Gwent document be approved as the first response to the Blaenau Gwent Citizen’s Forum from the Council. Councillors J. Holt and R. Leadbeater left the meeting at this juncture.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that the grant of a 25-year lease of the property, shown edged red on the plan, to Bedwellty Park Bowls Club be approved.
The report of the Team Leader Estates & Valuation was submitted for consideration. It was unanimously, RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that the grant of a 25-year lease of the property, shown edged red on the plan, to Bedwellty Park Bowls Club be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Council: Formally support the campaign for fair and timely compensation for WASPI women and that the Leader of Council write to UK Government Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, calling for swift implementation of a fair compensation scheme.
Consideration was given to the above-named Motion. It was unanimously, RESOLVED that Council: Formally support the campaign for fair and timely compensation for WASPI women and that the Leader of Council write to UK Government Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, calling for swift implementation of a fair compensation scheme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the above appointments be endorsed
Advisory Panel for Local Authority Governors The following recommendations were made by the Panel on 24th February, 2026 to appoint in principle: - Debbie Field – Soffryd Primary School - Rhion Hollister – Beaufort Hill Primary School - Peter Harriman – Tredegar Comprehensive School - Samuel Grainger – Abertillery 3-16 Learning Community It was, thereupon, unanimously, RESOLVED that the above appointments be endorsed
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that - the Pay Policy Statement 2026/2027 be approved; and - the retrospective payment to an interim officer that was seconded into a joint role across the federated councils be ratified and paid on the joint pay structure.
The following officers declared an interest in this item and left the meeting whilst it was being considered:- - Stephen Vickers - Joint Chief Executive - Luisa Munro-Morris - Deputy Chief Executive/Strategic Director of Children, Young People & Families - Mark Thomas - Joint Director Neighbourhoods & Environment - Christina Harrhy - Acting Joint Director of Economy & Place - Andrea Prosser - Director of Transformation & Delivery - Gemma Wasley - Head of Governance & Assurance - Gina Taylor - Head of Financial Services - Andrew Parker - Service Manager - Strategic Policy and Data - Louise Horner - Team Manager – Estates & Strategic Asset Management - John Raine - Development Plans Team Manager - Louise Bishop - Team Leader – Corporate Communications The following officers also declared an interest, but on the advice of the Monitoring Officer, remained in the meeting whilst the item was being considered:- - Rhian Hayden – Strategic Director of Corporate Services (report author) - Andrea Jones – Head of Legal & Corporate Compliance/Monitoring Officer (advisor) - Ceri Edwards-Brown – Democratic Officer (minute clerk) The report of the Strategic Director of Corporate Services was submitted for consideration. It was unanimously, RESOLVED that the report be accepted and Option 1 be endorsed, namely that - the Pay Policy Statement 2026/2027 be approved; and - the retrospective payment to an interim officer that was seconded into a joint role across the federated councils be ratified and paid on the joint pay structure.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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