Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments/ Resignations Name St Julians School Reappointment Cllr Farzina Hussain Caerleon Comprehensive School Reappointment Joan Watkins Langstone Primary School Reappointment Cllr William Routley Llanwern High School Reappointment Cllr Deborah Harvey Millbrook Primary School Reappointment Cllr Jason Jordan Ringland Primary School Reappointment Cllr Malcolm Linton St Julians Primary School Reappointment Cllr Deborah Davies Pentrepoeth Primary School Reappointment David Williams Ysgol Bryn Derw Reappointment Paula Halsall Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Resignation Gregory Morgan Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Appointment Cllr Emma Stowell-Corten Llanmartin Primary School Resignation Cllr William Routley Llanmartin Primary School Appointment Ceri Gibbons Llanmartin Primary School Resignation Richard Dale Llanmartin Primary School Appointment Loraine Goss Milton Primary School Resignation Stephen Blewett Milton Primary School Appointment Jack Foulkes Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Resignation Cllr Rhian Howells Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Appointment Jake Colclough-Jones Newport High School Resignation Cllr David Mayer Newport High School Appointment Emma Keen St. Joseph's Primary School Resignation Rod McDonald St. Joseph's Primary School Appointment Ruth Stewart
Resolved: Council unanimously supported the motion.
Resolved: Council noted the report on treasury management activities for the period 2024-25.
Resolved: Council noted the Anti-Poverty Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2028, which accompanied the report.
Resolved: Council noted the content of the Annual Safeguarding Report for 2024-25.
Resolved: Council noted the report, which would then be submitted to Welsh Government for approval.
Resolved: Council reviewed and noted the Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2024-25 and endorsed the actions set out in section 12 of the report. Due to technical issues, it was noted following the meeting that Councillor Al-Nuaimi had abstained from voting on this item.
Apologies were noted for Councillors Fouweather, Whitehead, Jones and Reeks. Rhys Cornwall, Strategic Director – Transformation and Corporate, stood in for Bev Owen, Chief Executive, who conveyed her apologies. Councillor Batrouni declared an interest as a member of the Local Housing Board (Item 9). Councillor M Howells declared an interest as a housing sector employee, within Newport (item 9). The Presiding Member announced that former ward councillor for Alway, Dennis Bickerton had recently passed away and requested that a minute’s silence was observed.
The Minutes of the last meeting held on 8 April and 13 May 2025 were accepted as a true record. The Leader and Councillor Evans requested that going forward, the Council Minutes be circulated in a timely manner.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments/ Resignations Name St Julians School Reappointment Cllr Farzina Hussain Caerleon Comprehensive School Reappointment Joan Watkins Langstone Primary School Reappointment Cllr William Routley Llanwern High School Reappointment Cllr Deborah Harvey Millbrook Primary School Reappointment Cllr Jason Jordan Ringland Primary School Reappointment Cllr Malcolm Linton St Julians Primary School Reappointment Cllr Deborah Davies Pentrepoeth Primary School Reappointment David Williams Ysgol Bryn Derw Reappointment Paula Halsall Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Resignation Gregory Morgan Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Appointment Cllr Emma Stowell-Corten Llanmartin Primary School Resignation Cllr William Routley Llanmartin Primary School Appointment Ceri Gibbons Llanmartin Primary School Resignation Richard Dale Llanmartin Primary School Appointment Loraine Goss Milton Primary School Resignation Stephen Blewett Milton Primary School Appointment Jack Foulkes Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Resignation Cllr Rhian Howells Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Appointment Jake Colclough-Jones Newport High School Resignation Cllr David Mayer Newport High School Appointment Emma Keen St. Joseph's Primary School Resignation Rod McDonald St. Joseph's Primary School Appointment Ruth Stewart
Councillor Spencer moved the appointments set out in the report. Councillor Mogford seconded the proposal. Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments/ Resignations Name St Julians School Reappointment Cllr Farzina Hussain Caerleon Comprehensive School Reappointment Joan Watkins Langstone Primary School Reappointment Cllr William Routley Llanwern High School Reappointment Cllr Deborah Harvey Millbrook Primary School Reappointment Cllr Jason Jordan Ringland Primary School Reappointment Cllr Malcolm Linton St Julians Primary School Reappointment Cllr Deborah Davies Pentrepoeth Primary School Reappointment David Williams Ysgol Bryn Derw Reappointment Paula Halsall Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Resignation Gregory Morgan Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Appointment Cllr Emma Stowell-Corten Llanmartin Primary School Resignation Cllr William Routley Llanmartin Primary School Appointment Ceri Gibbons Llanmartin Primary School Resignation Richard Dale Llanmartin Primary School Appointment Loraine Goss Milton Primary School Resignation Stephen Blewett Milton Primary School Appointment Jack Foulkes Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Resignation Cllr Rhian Howells Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Appointment Jake Colclough-Jones Newport High School Resignation Cllr David Mayer Newport High School Appointment Emma Keen St. Joseph's Primary School Resignation Rod McDonald St. Joseph's Primary School Appointment Ruth Stewart
The Presiding Member introduced Temporary Chief Superintendent J White, Head of Neighbourhood Policing at Gwent Police, who provided Council Members with an update on police issues within East, West and Central Newport. Once the Chief Superintendent had addressed the Council, the Presiding Member invited the Leader, Councillor Batrouni, to address Superintendent White. The floor was then open to councillors for police questions. 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: Council unanimously supported the motion.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Lacey, to present the motion. This Council recognises the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for all residents, including those who are neurodivergent. Approximately 1 in 7 individuals in the UK are neurodivergent, experiencing the world in unique ways due to conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Conditions, Dyslexia, Developmental Language Disorder, Dyspraxia, and Dyscalculia. Neurodivergent individuals often face significant challenges, including difficulties in securing employment, increased mental health diagnoses, and barriers to accessing public services. Despite these challenges, neurodiversity brings invaluable strengths and diverse perspectives that can greatly benefit our community. Creating a Neurodiverse-friendly city requires a comprehensive approach that involves both raising public awareness and understanding and designing spaces that accommodate the specific challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals and their families. Simply responding with kindness and compassion when witnessing a potential meltdown, such as by offering a quiet space, can be immensely helpful. These small changes, collectively, can significantly improve the lives of autistic people and their families. This Council acknowledges the proactive measures taken by other local authorities to support neurodiversity, such as Greater Manchester’s Autism Strategy and Leicester Council’s "Every Voice Counts" initiative and more locally Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff. Inspired by these examples, Newport City Council is committed to enhancing inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals within our City. 1. Develop a Neurodiversity Strategy Instruct the Cabinet to formulate a comprehensive neurodiversity strategy. This strategy should ensure that all council services are equipped to identify and meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals. Include provisions for neurodiversity training for all council employees, school governors, and stakeholders involved in delivering public services. 2. Promote Awareness and Acceptance Actively support and promote awareness campaigns such as Neurodiversity Celebration Week, World Autism Acceptance Week, ADHD Awareness Month, and Dyspraxia Awareness Week to foster acceptance and understanding across Newport. Promoting a positive culture internally where neurodivergent employees feel empowered and not hindered by their neurodivergence. 3. Provide Councillor Training Implement neurodiversity training for all Councillors to aid in their casework and improve their ability to address issues related to neurodivergent conditions among constituents. 4. Integrate Neurodiversity into Council Goals Ensure that neurodiversity is considered within the Council’s well-being goals and incorporated into the strategy for building a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Newport, aligning with the next corporate plan. 5. Encourage Public Participation Actively encourage neurodivergent individuals to participate in public life by running for Councillor positions, becoming school governors, and engaging in other community roles. 6. Implement Reasonable Adjustments Review and implement reasonable adjustments to ensure that the role of Councillor is accessible to neurodivergent individuals. This will enable the Council to harness the skills and talents of all residents for the benefit of Newport. By adopting these measures, Newport City Council will demonstrate its commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and equitable environment for all neurodivergent individuals in our community. Councillor Marshall seconded the Motion and took the opportunity to address the motion before the debate commenced. Members then debated the motion. Councillor Lacey summed up in her closing debate about the importance of equity and recognising that neurodivergent people had always been part of our communities and always would be, as neighbours, colleagues, children and councillors. To access a full recording of the agenda item please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Resolved: Council unanimously supported the motion.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: Council noted the report on treasury management activities for the period 2024-25.
The Presiding Member invited the Leader, Councillor Batrouni, to introduce the report, which outlined borrowing and investment activities during the year, as well as providing an update on compliance against the agreed prudential indicators. The report also provided an outlook for the coming year and medium term. The report had been considered by the Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet, with no comments provided. Resolved: Council noted the report on treasury management activities for the period 2024-25.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: Council noted the Anti-Poverty Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2028, which accompanied the report.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Hughes, Cabinet Member for Communities and Sport to present the report. The strategy and action plan highlighted the vision and principles to be adopted in an attempt to address the impact poverty had on the lives of those living in Newport. Part of this action plan included ‘no one left behind’ which allocated a budget of £500k to support communities in Newport. To access a full recording of the agenda item please refer to the Council’s YouTube channel. Democratic Meetings / Cyfarfodydd Democrataidd Resolved: Council noted the Anti-Poverty Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2028, which accompanied the report.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: Council noted the content of the Annual Safeguarding Report for 2024-25.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Lacey, Cabinet Member for Social Services to present the report to Council. The report gave assurances to the public, councillors, employees, volunteers and people carrying out work on behalf of the council that there were sound arrangements in place to safeguard children and adults at risk in Newport. The report also covered training data, safeguarding developments, referral data and professional concerns as well as future developments and improvements in governance during this period. Resolved: Council noted the content of the Annual Safeguarding Report for 2024-25.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: Council noted the report, which would then be submitted to Welsh Government for approval.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Adan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning to introduce the report. The Housing Prospectus set out the Local Authority’s strategic priorities for delivering new, grant funded affordable housing. The prospectus would be used to ensure that new developments that benefitted from grant funding met housing needs. The prospectus was evidence based, drawing on a wide range of data to understand need and shape strategic priorities. The prospectus demonstrated how schemes would be prioritised for grant funding opportunities and provided information on the monitoring and governance processes. The Housing Prospectus was approved by Cabinet earlier this month. Resolved: Council noted the report, which would then be submitted to Welsh Government for approval.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
Resolved: Council reviewed and noted the Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2024-25 and endorsed the actions set out in section 12 of the report. Due to technical issues, it was noted following the meeting that Councillor Al-Nuaimi had abstained from voting on this item.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Hourahine, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee to present the report, which apprised council and other interested parties on the role of scrutiny committees and highlighted the important work carried out during this period, as well as future actions to seek the continuation of improvement and engagement with stakeholders at every level in local democracy. Resolved: Council reviewed and noted the Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2024-25 and endorsed the actions set out in section 12 of the report. Due to technical issues, it was noted following the meeting that Councillor Al-Nuaimi had abstained from voting on this item.
Once the Leader had presented his announcements, councillors put their questions to the Leader, in line with Standing Orders arrangements. Councillor Evans: Over many years this Council has invested heavily into the University of Wales Newport, and then the University of South Wales after it merged with University of Glamorgan in 2013. Promises were made that there would not be any campus closures, which were then broken. In 2010/11 Newport had over 10,000 students, unfortunately we are unable to get an accurate figure of today’s number, but they have been cut by at least 75%. A recent LinkedIn post by Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE claimed that when the Caerleon Campus was sold for £6.2 million there was an initial promise that all of this would be spent in the city, which clearly has not happened. We do not appear to have any USW students living in the city, with a few from Bristol apparently living in the student accommodation. Now that the University is unable to physically expand, as previously promised, what has the Leader of the Council already done, and what else does he intend to do, to ensure that this much needed investment in the City Centre materialises, and that our residential student numbers increase? Response: The Leader had met with the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the university twice and had good discussions on both occasions. It was mentioned in the past that promises were made at the time and discussion took place on the current and future position. It was clear that the university sector was in real financial trouble, not just the University of South Wales. With regard to investment, the Leader added that higher education institutions across England and Wales were facing a financial crisis. The Leader noted that whilst he could ask them to commit, although they had no contractual obligation, there was still very limited expectations on this taking place. Supplementary: Councillor Evans referred to the university's contractual commitments related to the Newport knowledge quarter, referencing a 2018 application and a Memorandum of Understanding involving Newport City Council, University of South Wales, and Coleg Gwent. The university reportedly spent £3.2 million in Newport but left a £3 million shortfall, contrasting with £40 million spent on Treforest. Councillor Evans felt it was important to reclaim promised funds or ensure development within the city. Did the Leader therefore agree with Councillor Evans. Response: The Leader welcomed investment in the city and added that the knowledge quarter would be a beacon for Newport. The Leader had recently visited the campus where students were present. As part of the knowledge quarter, investment was put into a hydro research innovation centre and a cyber centre, which had won four national awards for cyber excellence, beating all of the Russell Group universities. There were many other programmes, including the business quarter. The Leader wanted more for the city of Newport, and I have always asked for more, but we need to be reflective of reality. The pandemic had a huge effect on higher education and Newport’s higher education facilities, however the Leader would always try his best to support investment for Newport. Councillor Routley: When will the Coleg Gwent specific City Centre building project start, and do they owe us any money. Response: Hopefully very soon and no. Supplementary: When did they [Coleg Gwent] repay the outstanding bill. Response: The Leader did not have that information to hand but would supply Councillor Routley with this information outside of this meeting. Councillor Reeks: The Presiding Member advised that Councillor Reeks was unable to attend the meeting and requested that his question be submitted in writing. The question and response (as below) was circulated to all council members following the meeting. Councillor Reeks asked: Having received £1.9 million of SPF funding from the then Conservative UK Government it has been great to see the money put to use transforming and relining the stretch of the Mon & Brecon Canal through Rogerstone and subsequent works in and around the 14 Locks Canal Centre. However, of late the water supply has dried up and is almost non-existent in places, with one of the causes attributed to the deliberate lack of waterflow from the Caerphilly County Council area. Can the leader confirm what efforts are underway with Caerphilly Council to reinstate this waterflow in order for the canal to be returned to a wet state again? Councillor Batrouni responded: The Newport canal system is a vital outdoor and ecological resource connecting multiple communities and supporting biodiversity. Ours is the lowest section of the network, with the main Mon Brec canal entering Newport from Torfaen, and the Crumlin Arm branching from Caerphilly. Low water level is a significant issue that affects the whole of the Mon Brecon canal and not just the Newport section. There is wide acknowledgement that for the canal to retain its integrity, there needs to be additional feed from a number watercourses and rivers including the river Usk, and there are ongoing conversations between Welsh Government, Canal and River Trust, NRW, Welsh Water and all Local Authorities (including NCC) to look for a collective solution to guarantee a sustainable water feed across the canal, with a task and finish group being stablished shortly. The Manor Road feed in Caerphilly, was closed by Welsh Water due to contamination, and there are no current abstractions in the main section of the canal. This means that at present, NCC is fully dependent on the water that flows from the upper sections of the canal and has no control about the amount of water in its section. Within our remit, thanks to SPF funding, there has been significant investment, and a comprehensive programme of work aimed to retain as much water as possible by § Clearing vegetation to reduce water loss and improve water flow. § Reshaping the canal to enhance water retention and stability. § Removing silt to increase water capacity and prevent blockages. § Repairing and installing headwalls, new lock gates and boards to prevent leaks and improve retention We will continue taking part in joint meetings with stakeholders to look for a whole canal solution. The meeting concluded at 19.10.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
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