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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
AGREED: following discussion at the way forward that the Scrutiny Team be thanked for delivering an effective joint inquiry process.
Noted that the Council at its Annual Meeting held on 23 May 2024 appointed Councillor Adrian Robson as the Chair and the following Members to this Committee: Councillor Mike Ash-Edwards Councillor Bernie Bowen-Thomson Councillor Joe Carter Councillor Jasmin Chowdhury Councillor Susan Elsmore Councillor Graham Hinchey Councillor Garry Hunt Councillor Caro Wild
Apologies were received from Cllr Wild. Apologies had also been received from Councillor Chris Weaver, Cabinet Member Finance, Modernisation & Performance who was unable to attend for the Budget Strategy item due to a prior commitment. Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader, stoodin for this item. Apologies had also been received from Councillor Dan De’Ath, Cabinet Member Strategic Transport and Planning, Climate Change and One Planet Cardiff in respect of item 8, the Cabinet response to the RLDP scrutiny inquiry.
None received
The minutes of the meeting held on 15/05/24 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Chairperson advised that this item provided Members with an opportunity for pre-decision scrutiny of the Council’s Annual Property Plan for 2024/25. The Cabinet report attached at Appendix A of the published papers seeks approval for the Annual Property Plan and agreement to the appropriation of the Wolf’s Castle from the Investment Estate to the HRA for future development. This is the implementation plan that sits behind the Council’s approved five-year Corporate Property Strategy, and each year it sets out targets to support those in the Strategy. The Committee had an opportunity to test the ambition and targets set out in the Annual Property Plan 2024-25, to test the strength of the links between the Strategy and the Plan, and the contribution the Plan will make to the 5-year Corporate Property Strategy 2021-26. Members were reminded that Appendix 4 of the report is not for publication as it contains exempt information of the description contained in paragraphs 14, 16 and 21 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Councillor Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Donna Jones, Assistant Director County Estates, Giles Parker, Head of Property and Matt Seymour, Asset Manager. The Cabinet Member was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. The Committee noted that the disposal target of the Annual Property Plan 2024-25 is relatively low compared to the 5-year target of £40 million outlined in the Corporate Property Strategy 2021-26. Members heard and acknowledged that a review was planned for this year, leading to the development of a new Corporate Property Strategy 2025-30. Members sought clarification on whether the total running costs for the Council's operational estate increased or decreased over the past year. Members noted that officers indicated that there has been no rationalisation of assets during this period but were not clear that this fully addressed whether costs have risen or fallen. Members supported the appropriation of Wolfs Castle, Llanishen, into the Housing Revenue Account. Members noted that once the re-appropriation is complete, the Housing team will evaluate the surrounding green area with the aim of exploring potential community use. A discussion took place around land adjacent to Llangrannog Road Parade, which is a transaction carried over from 2023/24. Officers agreed to provide a map to Members. Members questioned and were advised that funds from property disposals are ringfenced based on their origin. Discussing the property at the entrance to Rhydypenau Road school, which was initially marketed at £450,000, officers reported it has been on the market for a while, is now under offer, and its disposal will be rolled over into 2024/25. Members asked for an update on St David's Hall and were advised that progress has been made, with a lease agreement between the Council and AMG expected to be announced soon. Additionally, the work to address the RAAC roof is set to take around 18 months to complete. The Committee sought clarification on how schools' maintenance work is prioritised and were advised that this is based on the school buildings condition, with a particular focus on safety, watertightness, and operational functionality. Officers carry out regular re-prioritisation to ensure efficient use of resources. Members were further advised that decisions are recorded, governance procedures are robust, and a record of required works is maintained. Members urged that the new Corporate Property Strategy 2025-30 be shared with the committee at the earliest opportunity. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
The Chairperson advised that this item provided Members with an opportunity for pre-decision scrutiny of the Council’s preparations and timetable for delivering the Budget 2025/26 and an estimate of the 2025/26 budget gap, the Council’s approach to developing the 2025/26 budget proposals, and specifically a fuller understanding of the financial resilience work underway to tackle the challenges posed by inflation, demand for services, funding, capital financing and the capital programme. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed the Leader Cllr Huw Thomas, Chris Lee, Corporate Director Resources, and Ian Allwood, Head of Finance. The Leader was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation from Officers. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. The Committee heard and acknowledged the significant budget gap of £49.726m projected for 2025/26. The Leader and Officers advised that addressing this challenge would require a departure from traditional budget adjustments, with a specific focus on radical transformation through digitalisation, invest-to-save initiatives, collaboration, and partnerships. Members discussed the level of uncertainty regarding Aggregate External Finance (AEF) for 2025/26 compared to previous years. Officers advised that, as with previous years, there are no indicative settlements from the Welsh Government at this time, which contributes to the uncertainty around future funding levels. Members encouraged the Council to continue conversations with other Councils to share best practices, particularly in key areas such as adult social services, children’s services, homelessness, and additional learning needs (ALN). The Committee commended successful collaborative ventures like the Shared Regulatory Service and the Bi-lingual Cardiff service. Members discussed whether the changes in UK government and the anticipated new First Minister in Wales might lead to increased support for local councils. Members noted the Leader's belief that the UK government is focused on investing in public services despite economic challenges, and Members welcomed the commitment to advocate for a fair funding settlement from the Welsh Government. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
Decision as recorded
AGREED: following discussion at the way forward that the Scrutiny Team be thanked for delivering an effective joint inquiry process.
The Chairperson advised Members that this item was a report back to the Committee by Cabinet with the formal response to an inquiry that was jointly undertaken by the five scrutiny committees. Three sub-groups of cross committee scrutineers examined Securing Planning Obligations, Transport, and Local and District Centres, chaired by Cllrs Williams, Jones and Wong respectively. The Cabinet response was agreed in May, and Committee had an opportunity to hear how the 17 recommendations were received, whether the work of the Joint Scrutiny Committee has informed the Preferred Strategy and will in turn inform the preparation of a Deposit Plan. For this item, the Chairperson welcomed Simon Gilbert - Head of Planning. Simon Gilbert was invited to make an opening statement after which Members were provided with a presentation. The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members. Members noted the good progress made and wished to thank all Officers involved in the inquiry work. Members stated that the work had helped with their understanding and knowledge. Members asked about the wins and misses and what had been learned from the process. Officers explained that Planning is a very complex area and is constantly changing. The planning process can be very lengthy, so the review is seen as a very positive move forward. Officers had worked tirelessly on the inquiry and welcomed the opportunity to challenge and review with peers and Members. Officers further stated that the RLDP has a focus on energy, the environment, nature, biodiversity and advocates a level of growth that Officers feel is sustainable. Officers further welcomed the move from quantity to more qualitative factors such as community, sustainable development and place making. Members were interested to hear about the relationship between the UK Government, Welsh Government and Cardiff Council Planning and housebuilding. Officers explained about their involvement in the Core Cities group for Chief Planners in the UK and collaborations with English and Scottish counterparts. It was stated that even where policy making is devolved, approaches to processes are aligned with regard to delivering the ambition for building new homes. Members discussed the recommendations that had not been accepted. Officers considered it was important not to see this as negative, as there is usually a good reason for this, such as it is something that needs to be addressed elsewhere AGREED: following discussion at the way forward that the Scrutiny Team be thanked for delivering an effective joint inquiry process.
The Chairperson sought committee’s approval for the draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24, firstly asking whether anyone had any observations or suggested amendments they would like to make before the report is presented to full council (any changes requested would be incorporated prior to its full publication on the Council’s website). No changes were requested. The Chairperson asked Members to note the provisional committee dates listed in the report. The Chairperson advised that, over the summer he would be working with Officers to draft Committee’s work programme for the forthcoming year so that it can be brought to committee in September for formal discussion and agreement. Officers are in the process of identifying potential work programme items for Committee’s consideration and prioritisation. The Chairperson proposed that once that list was complete, he would circulate it and make arrangements for Members to express their priorities, with a focus on where scrutiny can have most impact and help to deliver improved performance. The draft prioritised list would then form part of committee papers in September. This approach was agreed by Members.
None received.
11 September 2024, 4.30pm.
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