Wrthi'n llwytho
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Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments/ Resignations Name Lliswerry Primary School Reappointment John Richards Malpas Court Primary School Resignation Jane Mudd Malpas Court Primary School Appointment Deborah Weston
Resolved: That Council supported the motion.
Resolved: Council approved and adopted the revised 2025 Statement of Principals under the Gambling Act 2005.
Resolved: Council approved and adopted the Members Schedule of Remuneration 25/26 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
Resolved: Council reviewed and agreed the Pay and Reward Policy in order to meet the statutory requirement for a pay policy statement to be approved and published by Council on an annual basis.
Apologies were noted for Councillors Rhian Howells and Alex Pimm. No declarations were made at this point. The Presiding Member requested a minute’s silence for former Malpas Ward Councillor and former Mayoress, Ottaleen Dally.
Minutes of the last meeting held on 25 February 2025 were accepted as a true record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments/ Resignations Name Lliswerry Primary School Reappointment John Richards Malpas Court Primary School Resignation Jane Mudd Malpas Court Primary School Appointment Deborah Weston
Councillor Clarke moved the appointments set out in the report and verbally proposed a further three additional appointments to an outside body, and a resignation from a governing body that arose since the report was written, as agreed by the Business Managers. Councillor Reeks seconded the proposal including the verbal additions. Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments/ Resignations Name Lliswerry Primary School Reappointment John Richards Malpas Court Primary School Resignation Jane Mudd Malpas Court Primary School Appointment Deborah Weston
The Presiding Member introduced Superintendent J White of Gwent Police, who provided Council Members with an update on police issues within East, West and Central Newport. When the Superintendent had addressed the Council, the Presiding Member invited the Leader, Councillor Batrouni, to address Superintendent White. To access a full recording of the agenda item please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: That Council supported the motion.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor James to present to present the following Motion: In Wales, it is estimated that the Crown Estate owns 65% of the nation’s foreshore and riverbeds, and more than 50,000 acres of land. In 2023 a breakdown of Crown Estate assets in Wales showed that the group values amounted to a combined worth of £853,030,454. Across Wales there is a growing campaign calling for management of the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales to be devolved to the Welsh Government. The campaign argues that Wales should benefit directly from the profits of renewable energy, and that this money could be used to address the poverty and inequality in communities across Wales. A poll in 2023 showed that 75% of the population of Wales were in favour of taking control of the assets of the Crown estate rather than the profits going to the Treasury and the Crown. Management of the Crown Estate was devolved to Scotland in 2017, which means that the revenue is returned to Edinburgh rather than Westminster. At the end of 2023, the Scottish Crown Estate had generated £103.6 million for the Scottish government’s purse. The value of the Scottish estate also rose from £568.2 million to £653.1 million that year. Wales should be afforded the same opportunities as Scotland, particularly at a time when the Crown Estate is announcing record net profits, and economic inequality continues in Wales. Projected earnings in Wales could be £42m. All Local Authorities across Wales are under huge financial pressures and placing the Crown Estate in the hands of Wales would be a significant step to address the years of lack of investment in our Local Government. The Welsh Government shares the view that the Crown Estate assets should be devolved to Wales as they have in Scotland. This Council believes that Wales should be treated fairly and that: § Any profits generated by the Crown Estate, here on Welsh lands and waters, should remain in Wales, for the benefit of our residents and communities. § Responsibility for the Crown Estate assets and revenue in Wales should be transferred to the Welsh Government. § The Welsh Government should accept management of the Crown Estate in Wales for the benefit of the people of Wales. The Council therefore requests that: § The Leader writes to the Welsh Government outlining our support to the campaign and asks that Welsh Government continues to present the case for devolution of these responsibilities to Wales. § The Leader writes to the UK Prime Minister supporting the Welsh Government’s calls to devolve the assets and revenue of the Crown Estates in Wales to the Welsh Government as a matter of urgency. Councillor M Howells seconded the Motion and reserved his right to speak after the debate. Members debated the Motion. Councillor Drewett proposed an amendment to the original Motion to Council, with the effect that the wording proposed by Cllr James should be wholly replaced by the following: We confirm that Newport Council supports the campaign to devolve management of the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales to the Welsh Government and that the funds raised be used to support the social needs of the Welsh people. We ask the Leader to write to the Welsh Government outlining our support to help persuade Westminster to devolve the Crown Estate as a matter urgency. This was seconded by the Councillor Cocks, who reserved his right to speak at the end of the debate. Councillor Morris put forward a motion that the vote now be taken on whether the amendment to the Motion should be approved. This motion to vote on the amendment to the Motion was supported by more than five councillors. A vote on the amendment to the Motion was therefore carried. The amended motion then became the substantive Motion. Members debated the Motion – to access a full recording of the debate and comments made please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd. Councillor Evans requested a recorded vote which was supported by a number of members from more than one group. The outcome of the recorded vote was as follows: Councillor Name Apologies For Against Abstain 1 Adan, Saeed X 2 Al-Nuaimi, Miqdad X 3 Baker-Westhead, Claire X 4 Batrouni, Dimitri X 5 Bright, Paul X 6 Clarke, James X 7 Cleverly, Janet X 8 Cockeram, Paul X 9 Cocks, Stephen X 10 Davies, Bev X 11 Davies, Deb X 12 Drewett, Pat X 13 Evans, Matthew X 14 Forsey, Yvonne X 15 Fouweather, David X 16 Harris, John X 17 Harvey, Debbie X 18 Harvey, Tim X 19 Horton, Gavin X 20 Hourahine, Phil X 21 Howells, Mark X 22 Howells, Rhian X 23 Hughes, Jason X 24 Hussain, Farzina X 25 James, Lauren X 26 Jenkins, Debbie X 27 Jones, John X 28 Jordan, Jason X 29 Kellaway, Martin X 30 Lacey, Laura X 31 Linton, Malcolm X 32 Marshall, Stephen X 33 Mayer, David X 34 Mogford, Ray X 35 Morris, Allan X 36 Mudd, Jane X 37 Perkins, Bev X 38 Peterson, James X 39 Pimm, Alex X 40 Pimm, Matthew X 41 Reeks, Chris X 42 Reynolds, John X 43 Routley, William X 44 Screen, Allan X 45 Spencer, Mark X 46 Sterry, Andrew X 47 Stowell-Corten, Emma X 48 Thomas, Kate X 49 Townsend, Carmel X 50 Watkins, Trevor X 51 Whitehead, Kevin X Total 2 40 6 3 Councillor Mogford mentioned that as the Leader was writing to Welsh Government, could he circulate a response to all members for their information, if the Leader should receive a reply. The Leader agreed to this request. Resolved: That Council supported the motion.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: Council approved and adopted the revised 2025 Statement of Principals under the Gambling Act 2005.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Stowell-Corten to introduce the item on the latest revision of the Gambling Act Statement of Principles Policy, and Councillor D Davies seconded this report. Members debated the report. To access a full recording of the debate and comments made please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd It was noted that Councillors Hussain and Adan abstained from voting on this report. Resolved: Council approved and adopted the revised 2025 Statement of Principals under the Gambling Act 2005.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: Council approved and adopted the Members Schedule of Remuneration 25/26 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Clarke to present the report, which asked Council to formally adopt those recommendations made by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) and approved revised remuneration rates for elected members for 2025/26. Councillor D Davies seconded the report. Members debated the report. To access a full recording of the debate and comments made please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Resolved: Council approved and adopted the Members Schedule of Remuneration 25/26 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: Council reviewed and agreed the Pay and Reward Policy in order to meet the statutory requirement for a pay policy statement to be approved and published by Council on an annual basis.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor D Davies to present the report to Council, concerning the annual updates to the pay and reward policy. The Leader seconded the report. Members debated the report. To access a full recording of the debate and comments made please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Resolved: Council reviewed and agreed the Pay and Reward Policy in order to meet the statutory requirement for a pay policy statement to be approved and published by Council on an annual basis.
Once the Leader had presented his announcements, Councillors put their questions to the Leader, in line with the new Standing Orders arrangements. The Leader passed on his condolences to the family of Brian Jones, ‘Mr Newport’. Brian played rugby for Black and Ambers and gave 70 years of service to the club. To view Leader’s Announcements please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd. Councillor Evans asked: In June 2002, almost 23 years ago, The Newport Medieval Ship was discovered in the banks of the River Usk, during construction of the Riverfront Theatre. It is, I have been told, the most important late-medieval merchant vessel yet recovered, and has become one of Wales’ biggest historical finds. The ship is of global significance and interest," said TV historian Dan Snow. In January 2023 historians said they hoped to have it on display within the next five years, which would take us to 2028. Originally, of course, it was going to have a permanent home in the basement of the Riverfront Theatre, but a previous Labour administration did not get the measurements right. So, can you tell me where you envisage this jewel in the crown being sited, and how much money, both revenue and capital, has been put aside over the next 3 years to build it and promote it? The Leader responded: Officers are currently working with external consultants and partners to complete an options appraisal to inform the future of the Newport Ship. The future for this unique artefact is extremely complex, requiring a trial reassembly to be undertaken prior to any consideration of a permanent installation and display, all under exacting environmental conditions. Identifying a suitable location is therefore a painstaking task but a number of options are under consideration for further feasibility work. The Ship is safe in its current home whilst these options are considered further. Supplementary: Was this the best that could done. The Leader responded: The cultural strategy was a live document, with an options appraisal in place. There were also front-line priorities that would need to be considered on behalf of Newport tax payers. Councillor M Howells asked: The leader will be aware that the current standing orders are that questions at any time should be answered in 10 working days. There are extensions permitted for complicated questions, but an interim update should be provided. Can the leader confirm: 1. the percentage of questions that are answered within the 10 days. 2. the average number of days that questions are answered in. 3. he will publish the stats for all councillors to be aware of the performance. 4. that he is satisfied with the current performance. The Leader responded: The percentage of questions answered within 10 days in 2024/25 was 38.5%; it should be noted that the corresponding figure in 2023/24 was 8.6%. The average response time also fell over the same period, from 19.4 days in 2023/24 to 12.9 days in 2024/25. Whilst there is room for improvement in the current figures, it should be noted that a review of the procedures for handling questions at any time took place during the middle of 2024 and the effect of this is self-evident; it is anticipated that the 2025/26 figures will reveal further improvement. There is no obvious place to publish these statistics, however, I am reporting them this evening. Councillor Bright asked: There have been lots of brilliant events in the city centre throughout March, I particularly enjoyed the Newport Music Trail. Could the Leader tell me what the impact of these events was on footfall in the city centre and if he agrees with me that culture should sit at the heart of the regeneration of our city centre? The Leader responded: Culture is absolutely central to the Council’s plans. The Newport Music Trail kicked off with the launch of the first Newport Culture Strategy at The Cab in the heart of the City Centre, which has a specific objective around dovetailing our burgeoning culture and heritage offer with our regeneration plans. This will be reflected in the forthcoming Placemaking Plan for the City Centre that will launch in May. In terms of impact, a new footfall analysis system covering the whole of the city centre has just been installed and we expect the full data to be received later in the month, however preliminary figures from the existing camera on Llanarth Street indicates footfall in the city centre was up over 18% for the weekend of the 28th/29th March, which shows the huge benefits cultural events bring to the city centre. Councillor Fouweather asked: Transport for Wales have been consulting and asking for feedback on the proposed alterations to the old green roundabout. Can the leader tell me - • How much money by the following organisations have been allocated to the project: • Newport City Council • Transport For Wales • Welsh Government • Is Newport City Council and the Labour administration in favour of the alterations to the old green roundabout. • Has the leader received any feedback from Newport BID and in particular Kevin Ward and Roger Jeavons about the impact the alterations would have on the City Centre and the impact on local businesses. • There has been a lot of feedback from residents mostly against these alterations. Can the leader confirm that he will ensure that transport for Wales consider this feedback seriously and if there are overwhelmingly objections he will stand up for Newport and tell Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government that the alterations to the old green cannot take place. The Leader responded: 1. Funding for the implementation of all components of the burns recommendation has been sought from both UK and Welsh Governments. These discussions remain ongoing. 2. Newport City Council has previously expressed support for the development of all the recommendation of Burns with the exception of road user charging. 3. Regeneration and Development colleagues have been, and continue to be, engaged during the development and design of the scheme and all external organisations have had opportunity to feedback during the extensive consultation process. Any transport works will understandably have impact on users, however we will be working with Transport for Wales to minimise disruption. 4. An extensive consultation exercise has been carried out with over 2,427 respondents Supplementary: The development needed to be looked at properly and the Council should not let TfW plough ahead, with Newport taking a sensible approach with funding. The Leader responded: Overall, the Leader agreed with Councillor Fouweather, but no money had as yet been received WG. Councillor B Davies asked: Please can you give me an update on the number of children’s play areas and MUGAs they have been refurbished using SPF funding and Section 106 money over the past year? How were these locations selected? What are the plans for 2025/26? The Leader responded: Last year saw us replacing or refurbishing 17 sites, including: § 8 complete refits with all or most equipment replaced, including, Morgraig Avenue - Celtic springs, Tredegar Park, Beechwood Scansis Pitch, Sandpiper Way/Kestrel Dyffryn, Moorland Park, Crindau Park / Kimberly Park, Kelly Road, Edward German. § 2 refurbs with some equipment and surfacing improved: Oliver Road, Shaftesbury Park. § 6 sites improved surfacing and fencing: MUGAs and balance bike tracks, underwood, Beechwood, Maindee, Pugsley, Tredegar park MUGA and Tredegar park bike trail. § 1 new play area at Mendalgief Park. This was funded from SPF and section 106 contributions as well as capital allocated by this cabinet previously. The allocation of Section 106 funding is largely driven by housing development in an area. We recognise that historically, this had meant an uneven distribution of funding across the city and as such this cabinet invested £2.5 million to improve existing play areas and cemetery facilities Locations for non-106 funding have been based on their maintenance status and have resulted in us significant improvements across over 19 facilities. The 2025/2026 programme of improvements is currently being finalised, with several play areas being considered across Newport and priority given based on maintenance status. Councillor Reynolds asked: With the Eliminate Policy receiving Royal Assent in the Senedd recently, can you outline the tangible progress Newport has made in implementing this policy? Newport has already demonstrated strong commitment with a £1.9 million investment - what measures are in place to ensure this funding delivers real and lasting change for our community? The Leader responded: Newport has set up an Eliminate Profit Board to oversee the work required to implement this policy change The work of the board is focussed on increasing Newport’s in-house residential and fostering provision to ensure that our children looked after received the care and support they need, within our local community. We have assessed a need to increase our residential children’s home capacity by 22 beds before 2028. This includes a range of provision, to cater for children with a variety of individual needs. We are well on the way to meeting this target with both a 4 bedded long-term home and a 6 bedded home for children with disabilities opening in April 2025. We have recently purchased a property to refurbish into a 2 bedded home which we are targeted to open within 2025. We seek to open 3 further homes between now and 2027. Our fostering service now has a dedicated, full time recruitment officer who is active in the local community. We have seen an increase in the number of enquiries from the previous year. The number of website visitors is rising year on year, it increased by 40% compared to the previous year. Just over 10% of all enquiries result in approval as foster carers and we aim to build upon this.
Councillor Mark Howells: Does the cabinet member think it is fair for residents to have to repeatedly deal with various versions of planning permission for over 30 years when developers fail to meet planning conditions, only for them to sell the land with planning permission, which then leads to new developers submitting similar, unrealistic plans for residents to object to again. We have this situation in our ward at Traston Lane. What can the cabinet do to help address resident concerns? Response from Councillor Saeed Adan: Whilst I appreciate the frustration that residents may feel about the potential development of land, and the time taken for developments to proceed, the Local Authority cannot prevent anyone submitting a new planning application. Any future application will be considered on its merits, in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. I believe the development being referred to as ‘Land at Traston Lane’ and a Lawful Development Certificate was issued in 2019 confirming the development of 21 houses had been lawfully implemented. Once implemented, the planning permission is considered to be extant and will remain as such going forward. Any breach of conditions however can be investigated by the Enforcement team and appropriate action taken. Supplementary: Declared an interest. The meeting concluded at 5:19 pm
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