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 (a) That the sentiments of the Notice of Motion be agreed and that the Council feel sympathy with the concerns of residents. (b) That transport and planning be agreed to be the source of collaboration and co-operation with the Health Board; and that the Health Board works constructively with the Council to see the most benefit to the people of Pembrokeshire.
RESOLVED That the Motion put forward by the Working Group be approved as follows: The De-pooling Working Group finds as its final conclusion that this Authority could have communicated more clearly with tenants when explaining rent increases and the results of the De Pooling exercises of 2015/2016 and 2016/17, and recommends to Council that this is the Group’s final findings and no further action is required.
RESOLVED That the West Wales Care Partnership Population Needs Assessment and the Market Stability Report be approved.
RESOLVED That the progress on the actions within the Corporate Governance Improvement Plan 2022-24 be noted.
RESOLVED That the status quo be adopted in light of the recommendation of the Democratic Services Committee and the outcome of the survey.
RESOLVED That the progress be noted and the next steps be approved.
RESOLVED That Councillor Alan Dennison be appointed as a Reserve Member on the Standards Committee.
RESOLVED That a Seminar be provided for Members enabling them to be fully informed of the RSE content of the New Curriculum.
The Presiding Member announced that Members would observe a minute’s silence in respectful memory of Her Majesty the Queen. The meeting then stood in silence as a mark of respect.
Apologies were received from Councillors Jon Harvey, Michael James and Simon Wright.
In welcoming everyone to the meeting, the Chairman made the following announcements:
The Presiding Member highlighted the loss of Her Majesty the Queen, who passed away on 8 September 2022. He stated that she had dedicated her life to public service and was an inspirational example to all. He highlighted that the Council continued to extend its condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family. The Presiding Member highlighted that it was the last Council meeting for Jonathan Griffiths, the Director of Social Services and Housing, as he was due to leave the Council’s employment in early December, to take up a new post as Transformation Director for Adults and Children’s Services in Wales, for the Welsh Government. He thanked the Director for his sterling service and wished him success in his new role. The Presiding Member then stated that in accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rule 4.11.4(H) of Part Two of the Constitution, he would allow agenda item 26 (Notice of Motion relating to a Seminar on the RSE Curriculum) to be considered at the meeting, on the basis of it being conducive to the dispatch of business.
The Chair reiterated the condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family, on behalf of all Members. The Chair expressed her gratitude to all Officers who had organised the proclamation ceremony of the new sovereign at County Hall and ensured its smooth running on the day. The Chair also thanked all Council staff involved in the organisation of the return of Iron Man Wales. The Chair then stated that she and the Leader, Councillor David Simpson, had represented Pembrokeshire at the Service of Remembrance for Her Majesty the Queen at Llandaff Cathedral. She then congratulated all Commonwealth athletes who had represented Pembrokeshire and Wales at such a prestigious event, and mentioned Ioan and Garan Croft, who had won gold and bronze medals respectively. She also congratulated Lily Rice, who had won a bronze medal in the 100 meters backstroke. The Chair then highlighted the upcoming World Rowing Championships, due to take place in Saundersfoot. She gave special thanks to former Councillor Phil Baker who had helped organise the event over the last three years.
The following declarations of interest were made: (a) Item 5 – Notice of Motion Relating to Supporting the fight to retain services essential to the health and wellbeing of residents Councillors Joshua Beynon and Thomas Tudor each declared a personal and prejudicial interest by virtue of being employed by Hywel Dda University Health Board. Councillor Mark Tierney declared a personal interest by virtue of working for a Senedd Member who is the Minister for Health and Social Care. Councillor Michelle Bateman declared a personal interest by virtue of being employed by a dental practice that has a contract with Hywel Dda University Health Board. (b) Item 7 - West Wales Care Partnership Population Assessment and Market Stability Report Councillor Joshua Beynon declared a personal interest by virtue of being employed by Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Council considered the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2022. The Minutes were Moved by the Presiding Member; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall. Councillor Aled Thomas drew attention to the following points of accuracy: that one Member had been listed under ‘In attendance’ and ‘Apologies’ in the English Minutes, the end time of the meeting needed to be amended in the Welsh Minutes and the title of Minute item 185 had not been translated to Welsh in the Welsh Minutes. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 14 July 2022 be approved as a correct record, subject to the amendments above.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the sentiments of the Notice of Motion be agreed and that the Council feel sympathy with the concerns of residents. (b) That transport and planning be agreed to be the source of collaboration and co-operation with the Health Board; and that the Health Board works constructively with the Council to see the most benefit to the people of Pembrokeshire.
[Having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item of business, Councillors Joshua Beynon and Thomas Tudor withdrew from the meeting]. Council considered a report by the Head of Democratic Serviceswhich outlined a recommendation from the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of a Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor John Cole in the following terms: With the recently published declaration of the Hywel Dda Heath Board on the future of Pembrokeshire’s only general hospital I would like to ask Council to stand with our electorate in supporting the fight to retain services essential to the health and well-being of residents. Many of our residents feel the Council, particularly us elected Members are, or appear, indifferent to the concerns being expressed. I believe in doing such. We can show that councillors are united and stand with the people of Pembrokeshire we were elected to serve’ would be showing diligence that the best price available is received. Councillor John Cole, the originator of the Motion, stated that he wished to show the residents of Pembrokeshire that the Council was supportive of the local health service. Councillor David Bryan, Chair of the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, introduced the report and stated that the main concerns of the Committee related to the assurance of continued access to services, as well as transport links for local residents. He stated that the Health Board needed to work in collaboration with the Council in regards to transport and planning in order to benefit the people of Pembrokeshire. Councillor David Bryan Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett. Councillor David Howlett thanked Councillor Cole for his Notice of Motion and highlighted the poor performance of the general hospital in south-east Wales, which would be a concern to the residents of Pembrokeshire if that was to become the main hospital. Councillor Howlett also mentioned that Hywel Dda Health Board had been put into a higher level of Welsh intervention, as well as the funding concerns across Wales for new Hospital Services. He then called for the Health Board to abandon their plans given the concerns of the people of Pembrokeshire. Councillor Steve Alderman highlighted the timescale of the potential changes and stated that the Council should support Withybush Hospital to ensure good health care for the residents of Pembrokeshire. Councillor Reg Owens highlighted the need to be realistic, and suggested that not all services were going to be available in specific areas and that travelling to hospital should be the least of people’s concerns. Councillor Michael John highlighted his support for the recommendation and stated that he agreed with the remarks of both Councillors Howlett and Owens. He highlighted that there were specialised services in specialised locations, but equally there was the need for general services to be situated as close as possible to local residents. Councillor Phil Kidney also stated his support for the motion. The vote, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Andrew Edwards, Tim Evans, Jonathan Grimes, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Peter Morgan, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Reg Owens, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [51] Abstentions: Councillor Pat Davies [1] There were no votes against. RESOLVED (a) That the sentiments of the Notice of Motion be agreed and that the Council feel sympathy with the concerns of residents. (b) That transport and planning be agreed to be the source of collaboration and co-operation with the Health Board; and that the Health Board works constructively with the Council to see the most benefit to the people of Pembrokeshire.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Motion put forward by the Working Group be approved as follows: The De-pooling Working Group finds as its final conclusion that this Authority could have communicated more clearly with tenants when explaining rent increases and the results of the De Pooling exercises of 2015/2016 and 2016/17, and recommends to Council that this is the Group’s final findings and no further action is required.
Council considered a report by the HRA De-Pooling of Service Charges Working Group which outlined the outcome from the meeting of the Working Group held on 21 September 2022. Councillor Jacob Williams, Chair of the HRA De-Pooling of Service Charges Working Group, introduced the report and stated that the requirement to de-pool service charges out of rent was mandated by Welsh Government following the introduction of the Housing Wales Act 2014. Councillor Williams highlighted that draft guidance from the Welsh Government was in the Council's possession, but stated that this was not followed. He stated that the Working Group was told that the origin of the advice was not clear and that it was not formal advice that had to be followed. Councillor Williams made reference to the decision of Council made in 2015 and 2016, which was not to rebase rents to take account of service charge levels having been removed. He stated that the Working Group had considered whether the decision had been adequately communicated to tenants in their annual rent letters, to which Officers acknowledged that communication to tenants could have been more explicit in its explanation of removing service charges from rent. However, it was said that the view of Officers was that the omission of the statement was not unlawful. Councillor Williams stated his ongoing support for Motion One on page 65 of the agenda, which had been voted against during the last meeting of the Working Group. Councillor Jacob Williams Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Mark Carter. Councillor Mark Carter stated his support for the recommendation and suggested that there was a need to move forward in order to allow Officers to resolve the housing issue within the County. Councillor Michael Stoddart moved an Amendment to the Recommendation to the effect that the words ‘could have communicated more clearly with tenants when explaining’ be removed and replaced with ‘failed to carry out its statutory duty under S103 Rent Act 1985 and S21 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to inform tenants of changes to rents and service charges respectively’; Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison. The Head of Law and Governance stated that she had concerns regarding the implications of the amendment to the recommendation. She stated that it was completely contrary to the recommendations of the Working Group, who had more time and information to consider the matter. She suggested that Council did not have sufficient information to agree the amendment and if Members were minded to approve the amendment, the matter should be deferred in order for a further report to be brought back to Council to outline the significant legal, financial and practical implications. Councillor Carter highlighted that the only evidence was the letter that had been sent to tenants to which there were no complaints. He stated that Councillor Stoddart was the only one to have raised objections in relation to the process and believed that Members should take on board the findings of the Working Group. Councillor Williams stated that the Working Group had made no real progress due to the lack of Member attendance and he believed that the information provided at each meeting was supportive of Councillor Stoddart’s contention. Councillor Williams then sought clarification on whether the matter would be deferred if Members were not in favour of the amendment. He also mentioned that the Working Group had been told that the matter was beyond challenge. In response, the Head of Law and Governance stated that if the amendment was agreed, Members would have to be clear that it was not based on legal advice, was contrary to the view of Officers and of the Working Group, as well as concern about the challenge ability of the decision. Councillor Williams then sought clarification in regards to who she believed could potentially challenge the decision. In response, the Head of Law and Governance suggested potential challengers to be tax payers, people who stand to benefit from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and tenants. Councillor Alistair Cameron agreed with Councillor Carter and wished to follow the advice from the Head of Law and Governance. Councillor Michelle Bateman, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing Operations and Regulatory Services, stated that the amendment would have an impact on her portfolio if agreed. She highlighted that this was a historic situation where the decisions had been first made in 2015, with the previous Cabinet Member being as transparent as possible. Councillor Bateman suggested that Councillor Stoddart had various opportunities over the years to call in the decisions. She stated that a line now had to be drawn as all possible information had been provided to Members. Councillor Bateman then stated that she would not support the amendment, as it would cause major legal implications and would put the Council in a difficult position if agreed. Councillor Michael Stoddart made reference to the letters originally received by the tenants which he stated did not clearly outline the changes in their rents. He stated that he agreed with the Head of Law and Governance that the amendment would have serious consequences. Councillor Michael Stoddart then moved a further Amendment to the Recommendation to the effect that the matter be deferred and a full report be brought to the next meeting of Full Council; Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison. Councillor Michael Williams sought clarification in regards to what the financial implications would be for the HRA if Councillor Stoddart’s original amendment was carried. In response, the Director of Resources stated that it was difficult to calculate due to the movements in tenancies, however, he highlighted that the projections to date would be around £1.9 million and over the term of the 30 year HRA business plan, the effects were estimated to be around £4.8 million. Councillor Jamie Adams agreed with Councillor Carter and stated that a decision needed to be made to allow Officers to do their jobs and provide homes for people. Councillor Pat Davies then highlighted that there were many opportunities for Members to fully understand the HRA by way of various seminars and believed that Councillor Stoddart had time to question the decisions and to make sure that tenants had the opportunity to understand the situation. Councillor Stoddart stated that he believed that the main issue was the legality of the Council’s actions in not making the information clear to tenants. The vote for the procedural Amendment relating to deferring the matter, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was lost. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, John Cole, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Nicola Gwynn, Tessa Hodgson, Phil Kidney, Reg Owens, Jordan Ryan, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Marc Tierney, Tony Wilcox and Jacob Williams [14] Against the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Andrew Edwards, Tim Evans, Jonathan Grimes, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, David Howlett, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Paul Miller, Peter Morgan, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Chris Williams, Michael Williams, Guy Woodham, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [43] There were no abstentions. The vote for the original amendment, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was lost. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors John Cole, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Brian Hall, Tessa Hodgson, Phil Kidney, Peter Morgan, Huw Murphy, Reg Owens, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Tony Wilcox and Jacob Williams [15] Against the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, Jamie Adams, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Andrew Edwards, Tim Evans, Jonathan Grimes, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, David Howlett, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Elwyn Morse, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Chris Williams, Michael Williams, Guy Woodham, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [40] Abstentions: Councillors Nicola Gwynn and Paul Miller [2] The vote for the original motion in support of the recommendation, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, Jamie Adams, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, Alec Cormack, John Davies, Pat Davies, Andrew Edwards, Tim Evans, Jonathan Grimes, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, David Howlett, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Peter Morgan, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Reg Owens, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Michele Wiggins, Chris Williams, Michael Williams, Guy Woodham, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [41] Against the Motion: Councillors Maureen Bowen, John Cole, Terry Davies, Alan Dennison, Nicola Gwynn, Phil Kidney, Paul Miller, Shon Rees, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Iwan Ward and Jacob Williams [12] Abstentions: Councillors Tessa Hodgson and Marc Tierney [2] RESOLVED That the Motion put forward by the Working Group be approved as follows: The De-pooling Working Group finds as its final conclusion that this Authority could have communicated more clearly with tenants when explaining rent increases and the results of the De Pooling exercises of 2015/2016 and 2016/17, and recommends to Council that this is the Group’s final findings and no further action is required.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the West Wales Care Partnership Population Needs Assessment and the Market Stability Report be approved.
Council considered a report by West Wales Care Partnership which outlined the West Wales Care Partnership Population Assessment and Market Stability Report. Councillor Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Social Care and Safeguarding, introduced the report and stated thatthe Population Needs Assessment was required across every electoral cycle, under part two of the Social Services Wellbeing Act, and must be agreed by all Local Authorities and the Health Board to provide scrutiny at the highest level. She highlighted that this cycle must also consider Autism and Dementia as separate chapters and include the impact of COVID as well as specific attention to Welsh language. Councillor Hodgson also made reference to the fact that population expert groups had been involved in the development of the chapters alongside data collation. She stated that the final version would be adapted to be published on West Wales Care Partnership’s website. Councillor Tessa Hodgson Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Simon Hancock. Councillor Alistair Cameron made reference to support for people with autism decreasing after school years and stated that support for adults with autism needed to be addressed by the Council and Welsh Government. Councillor Rhys Sinnett highlighted one of the most crucial elements of the report to be how the workforce was supported. He made reference to the challenges around recruitment and retention across West Wales and stated that supporting the workforce needed to form a crucial core of any future planning. Councillor Hodgson agreed with Councillor Sinnett and stated that the workforce was critical across the Council, the Health Board and third sector organisations. She stated that she would feedback Councillors comments to the next meeting of the Partnerships Board. The vote, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, Terry Davies, John Davies, Pat Davies, Andrew Edwards, Jonathan Grimes, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Paul Miller, Peter Morgan, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Reg Owens, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [51] Abstentions: Councillor Jordan Ryan [1] There were no votes against. RESOLVED That the West Wales Care Partnership Population Needs Assessment and the Market Stability Report be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the progress on the actions within the Corporate Governance Improvement Plan 2022-24 be noted.
Council considered a joint report by the Assistant Chief Executive, Director of Resources and the Head of Law and Governance which outlined the progress of the actions of the Corporate Governance Improvement Plan for the period 2022-24. Councillor Neil Prior, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Improvement and Communities, introduced the report and stated that there were 74 actions outlined in Appendix A and highlighted that the report had been to both the Governance and Audit Committee and Cabinet. He stated that the report recognised challenges in regards to timescales, but believed the approach to be a sensible one to ensure that the plan was delivered. Councillor Neil Prior Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Pat Davies. Councillor Thomas Tudor sought clarification in regards to whether Action E6, ‘undertake a senior staff restructure’, was on target. In response, the Chief Executive stated that this action was relative to the undertaking of the Operating Model Review Phase One. He highlighted that the action had progressed by way of the introduction of the Head of Law and Governance and Assistant Chief Executive posts. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the progress on the actions within the Corporate Governance Improvement Plan 2022-24 be noted.
The meeting adjourned at 11:39am and reconvened at 11:55am.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the status quo be adopted in light of the recommendation of the Democratic Services Committee and the outcome of the survey.
Council considered a report by the Head of Democratic Services which outlined the outcome of the survey on Members’ views on the timing, length and frequency of meetings of full Council and any Committee or Sub-Committee of the Council, as well as the recommendations of the Democratic Services Committee in relation to the findings of the survey. Councillor Di Clements, Chair of the Democratic Services Committee, introduced the report and stated that Section Six of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, required the Authority to survey its Members at least once in every Council term on the timing, length and frequency of its meetings, as well as the location. She highlighted that a survey of all elected Members had been undertaken in August 2022 and 47 Members completed the survey (78%). Councillor Clements stated that the full responses were outlined in Appendix two, with the key findings highlighted in the report. The results indicated that 80% of respondents found the current arrangements to be satisfactory. Councillor Clements then stated that the Democratic Services Committee considered the findings of the survey at its meeting on 3 October 2022, where Members supported the status quo in light of the outcome of the survey. Councillor Di Clements Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison. Councillor Alistair Cameron thanked Officers for the significant work that went into organising the survey and suggested that the Public be consulted on the timings of meetings, as it would encourage more people to stand for election. Councillor Guy Woodham agreed with Councillor Cameron and stated that it would be beneficial. Councillor Clements then reminded Members that Chairs of Committees were able to discuss with Members the timings of individual meetings, for the sake of attendance, for example. Councillor Thomas Tudor then suggested that late afternoon and evening meetings for working groups would be beneficial for Members who worked full time. The vote, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, Terry Davies, John Davies, Pat Davies, Alan Dennison, Andrew Edwards, Tim Evans, Jonathan Grimes, Nicola Gwynn, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Phill Kidney, Paul Miller, Peter Morgan, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Reg Owens, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [57] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the status quo be adopted in light of the recommendation of the Democratic Services Committee and the outcome of the survey.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the progress be noted and the next steps be approved.
Council considered a report by the Monitoring Officer which outlined the progress made in reviewing and re-writing the Constitution, associated protocols and schemes of delegation and outlined next steps. Councillor Neil Prior, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Improvement and Communities, introduced the report and stated that the report was closely linked to the Corporate Governance Improvement Plan, which Members had previously considered. He outlined that the Constitutional Review Committee be reconvened to create a politically balanced working group, who would then report back to Council in May 2023 with an updated Constitution. Councillor Neil Prior Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor David Simpson. Councillor Michael Stoddart sought clarification in regards to the formation of the working group and suggested that it would be more beneficial for all Members of the Committee to be involved and carry out the work. In response, the Head of Law and Governance stated that she was happy for the Constitutional Review Committee to decide whether they wished to be part of the work or whether they wished to create a smaller politically balanced working group. The vote, undertaken by way of an electronic vote, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Alistair Cameron, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Alec Cormack, Terry Davies, John Davies, Pat Davies, Alan Dennison, Andrew Edwards, Tim Evans, Jonathan Grimes, Brian Hall, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Phill Kidney, Paul Miller, Peter Morgan, Elwyn Morse, Huw Murphy, Reg Owens, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Neil Prior, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Michael Williams, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Guy Woodham, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [55] Against the Motion: Councillors Nicola Gwynn and Thomas Tudor [2] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED That the progress be noted and the next steps be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That Councillor Alan Dennison be appointed as a Reserve Member on the Standards Committee.
Council considered a report by the Head of Democratic Services which outlined vacant seats on Committees, as well as available appointments for Reserve Members where applicable. Following no nominations being received, it was noted that the vacancy on the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be deferred and reconsidered at the next meeting of Council. The following nomination was then received for Reserve Members to the following Council body to which political balance rules do not apply: (a) Standards Committee Councillor Jacob Williams Moved that Councillor Alan Dennison be appointed; Seconded by Councillor Peter Morgan. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Alan Dennison be appointed as a Reserve Member on the Standards Committee.
Councillor Paul Miller, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Joshua Beynon prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: The council has published a Net Zero Carbon action plan by 2030. As this action plan spans all directorates, I am concerned about the lack of resourcing and a core team to deliver on this work, given that officers are undertaking this work as an add on to their usual job. Can the cabinet member tell me what involvement they have had in delivering this action plan and why there isn’t a core team in place to deliver on this work? In response, Councillor Miller stated that the Authority’s aspirations for Net Zero crossed many different functions and directorates; at one end the considerable effort supporting the development of green industry, principally around The Haven; the Pembroke Dock marine floating offshore wind and the Celtic Sea hydrogen development through hydrogen Energy Kingdom as well as the Freeport application. Internally, he stated this would ensure that the Councils carbon footprint reduced in the Authority’s buildings and fleet. He stated that the programme for administration was currently under development, but gave assurance that the 2030 commitment would feature strongly. In terms of his involvement, Councillor Miller stated that he meets regularly with various Officers and that includes in particular the Head of Economic Development and Officer for Energy and Sustainable Development. In regards to the core team, he highlighted that this would be kept under review and would ensure that appropriate resources were allocated in order to deliver the plan. Councillor Miller then stated that it was preferable, however, to allow sector specialists to work on their specialisms to deliver on aspects of the Net Zero objective rather than have a single, central team. He highlighted that this plan was new and currently unfunded and uncosted, but this would be addressed through the Programme for Administration and the Medium Term Financial Plan in due course and gave an assurance that the commitment was there and that there was a lot going on in this area. In response to a supplementary question regarding the importance of the action plan, Councillor Miller stated that if in the future further resource was required to deliver the Net Zero plan, he would be willing to discuss this with the Chief Executive.
Councillor Tessa Hodgson, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Joshua Beynon prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: Energy bills are rising, inflation is going up and the demand for core council services is on the rise. Whilst these are not the fault of the council, can the relevant cabinet member tell me what this administration is doing to support vulnerable people and communities during this time? In response, Councillor Hodgson stated that the Council was constantly working to support vulnerable people and local communities. She stated that grant funding had been received from Welsh Government and that it was the Council’s intention to deploy this funding to mitigate against various pressures associated with the increasing cost of living. Councillor Hodgson then highlighted that an expert poverty group had been formed to explore options for funding that would reach as many people in poverty as possible. She stated that PAVS were leading on the delivery of the identified services and would be the link agency with other third sector organisations. The over-riding principle behind the delivery was to get the money to those most in need as efficiently and as quickly as possible, maximising the impact of the available funding. She explained that some of the areas to which money was being diverted, included financial support to community locations, to allow them to open for longer and more frequently, in order to provide activities, food and support in warm spaces across Pembrokeshire; a fuel voucher scheme; a pet food support scheme; additional payments to those eligible for Free School Meals; expansion of poverty advice capacity to cope with additional demand; ‘warm packs’ to provide to people who cannot leave their homes; and heating oil top-ups. Councillor Hodgson stated that these measures were designed only to support people in the short term through the approaching winter, but the Authority’s Poverty Working Group, a whole-County group which sits under the Public Services Board (PSB), would consider medium and longer term solutions to the issue of poverty in the County and across Wales, which would see the development of a strategy for prosperity, informed by lived-experience, and delivered across all agencies in a sustained and determined way. In response to a supplementary question regarding communication to the Public, Councillor Hodgson assured that any information would be communicated quickly so that the people and communities of Pembrokeshire were aware of how to access help.
Councillor Paul Miller, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Mark Carter prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: Could the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Tourism please advise whether they agree with the new 182 day minimum letting requirement for self-catering properties to remain qualifying for Business Rates after April? Please could the answer include an opinion as to whether he believes this new rule will have a detrimental effect on the very important Pembrokeshire tourism industry? In response, Councillor Miller stated that he understood the reason why Welsh Government was active in this space, due to the interaction between tourism hotspots and the housing ecosystem that goes around those tourism hotspots for very good reason, due to the impact on the affordability of housing and the pressure that second homes had in tourism destinations. However, he suggested that the 180 day rule could not be considered on its own. He referred to the live consultation on the visitor levy and the new planning rules regarding holiday let creation and existing rules around second home ownership. He stated that the impact on the Pembrokeshire tourism economy was unknown and he stated that he was happy to share the analysis conducted by Welsh Government with Councillor Carter. Councillor Miller acknowledged that there would be challenges for some people in that position and that some would find it difficult to meet that 180 day rule and, as a result, they may well find themselves falling out of the business rate regime and into a second homes tax regime. Councillor Miller further stated that the matter was outside of the Authority’s control; however, he pointed out that the things the Authority did control, for example, the Council Tax premium applied to second homes, was a measured response and he suggested that it would be more beneficial to allow the new requirements to settle in over the coming years in order to see the impact. In response to a supplementary question regarding Members views on the matter, Councillor Miller stated that he would discuss the issue further with Members at the upcoming Second Homes Council Tax seminar on 14 November 2022. He then stated that he would be happy to make representations in the future to Welsh Government, on behalf of the Council.
Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Mark Carter prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: Could the Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment please outline exactly what the ongoing policy is in respect of the kerbside collection of black refuse bags when presented to PCC refuse crews, are they collected without question? In response, Councillor Sinnett stated that the Council continued to promote three grey bags for three weekly collection to residents through various marketing campaigns and that compliance to the service continued to be monitored. He highlighted that if households were to run out of grey bags, they were able to use household provided black bags in the interim until their annual delivery of grey bags were received. Councillor Sinnett then highlighted that if more than three bags were presented and the property was not considered a large household, the crew would sticker the excess bags, which would ask the household to re-present on the following collection and ensure they were recycling where possible. Such information was said to be recorded by the Waste and Recycling Operatives and fed to the local Environment Adviser Team, who would then undertake visits to the relevant households. Councillor Sinnett stated that in the majority of cases, it had been due to lack of participation with the various recycling services on offer. It was said that follow up visits were undertaken to ensure that residents were following system, if not, continued non-compliance would result in fines for households. In response to a supplementary question regarding communal waste, Councillor Sinnett stated that the Council was working towards removing communal piles of waste and recycling where possible. He stated that there was a new initiative that was being implemented by the local Environment Advisors, which would focus on areas where issues with communal waste appeared. He highlighted that despite the scheme being resource intensive, it has had a positive impact in regards to clearing communal waste.
Councillor Guy Woodham, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Andrew Edwards prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: Does the cabinet member for education agree that the parental rights should be withdrawn over the new RSE curriculum? In response, Councillor Woodham stated that the new curriculum had been consulted upon extensively prior to the implementation of the curriculum assessment in 2021. He stated that there was a judicial review planned for November 2022, which would revisit the right for parents to withdraw their child from the relationships and sexuality curriculum. However, Councillor Woodham stated that as Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, he felt it was important for him to support Schools to ensure they were delivering the statutory curriculum.
Councillor Guy Woodham, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Delme Harries prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: We have seen the development of the new Haverfordwest High School following on from the development of Caer Elen and many other new schools in our county towns recently. What resource has the council made available to ensure other schools that need some improvement work can get it done? YsgolCasmael, for example, have been told that there is no budget for them to support some changes to infrastructure to ensure they can meet the statutory requirement to have an outdoor area for education. The head teacher and her staff are amazed by the facilities available to other KS2 children across the county but frustrated that their rural school is not receiving the same share of equity to improve education and the lack I would raise the question of equality across all schools in Pembrokeshire. What is the process for prioritising the spend and recognising that all children should be treated equally in our county? It saddens me that I have to ask this question which follows on from my last question to July Council as to why 9 schools have not been included in the cabinet’s decision in 2019 to ensure speed limits at all schools would be set to 20mph. We need a level playing field for all schools in the county. In response, Councillor Woodham stated that the Council wanted all learners to receive their education in the best possible learning environments and that the Council had invested considerable sums of money in many schools over the years, as Councillor Harries mentioned in his question. However, he stated that there were still too many schools in poor condition which made it difficult to ensure that all children were treated equally. For the last 10 years, Councillor Woodham stated that the main source of funding for significant capital investment had been the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (formerly known as the 21st Century Schools Programme Board) and the Council had seen a number of schools and communities benefiting from this investment. For smaller scale projects, the Council had received a Capital Maintenance Grant from Welsh Government and this had been used to reduce the costs incurred by the Council in undertaking school repairs and addressing sufficiency of accommodation issues in various schools. During the current financial year, the Council had received approximately £1.4 million in specific capital grants from Welsh Government in relation to Community Focused Schools and Improving Learning Environments for pupils with Additional Learning Needs. He stated that Officers were working with individual schools and other directorate leads to ascertain project priorities within the specific grant conditions set by Welsh Government. In addition, the Council had successfully bid for capital investment from Welsh Government’s Welsh medium capital grant. Council was advised that there was very limited revenue capacity within the Education Directorate to respond to minor school improvements, and therefore the various grants indicated represent the main source of funding, subject to terms and conditions. The process undertaken by Officers for prioritising spend was on the basis of three fundamental questions: • Is investment required in order to make something safe, or compliant? • Is investment required in order to address condition issues that cannot be addressed by responsive repairs? • Is the improvement requested a need that cannot be met by other means, e.g. use of space elsewhere in a school? Funding was subsequently allocated on the basis of the responses to these questions and on the best match to the grant available. Councillor Woodham stated that consideration had to be given to the capacity of various teams to plan, procure and deliver such improvements. This had certainly been a concern since the Covid pandemic, and going forward may be impacted further as a result of the Council having to make budget savings. However, the Council would continue to strive and will continue to do so within those financial constraints, to ensure that all necessary improvements were undertaken at the earliest opportunity. In terms of the concern over “level playing field” and the 20mph query, Councillor Woodham stated that an explanation of the process and status of roll-out had been given at the last Council meeting. In summary, over several years a number of schemes had been brought forward to manage and reduce speed around schools, within the resources made available. The final change to all schools having a 20mph speed limit would tie in with the default 20mph limit being introduced in September 2023. In response to a supplementary question regarding the appointment of a new Governor, Councillor Woodham assured Councillor Harries that there were no plans for Puncheston and Gwaun Valley schools.
Councillor Guy Woodham, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Viv Stoddart prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: In April 2015 the then Safeguarding Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended that the county's secondary schools include clear details in their prospectus of the C Card scheme for pupils aged 14 plus. Will the Cabinet member for education update members on the current provision of C Cards in schools, especially if there has been a reduction in the age (from 14 to 13) at which pupils can access contraceptives without their parents' knowledge or consent? In response, Councillor Woodham stated that the C Card was a multi-agency scheme intended to be delivered in schools and colleges throughout Pembrokeshire. The scheme provides free condoms to young people alongside sexual health advice, support, information and signposting to health services where necessary. He highlighted that the scheme was delivered by appropriately trained professional staff. In 2017, he stated that the C Card scheme passed from the Youth Service to the School Nursing Service. He stated that the Scheme was paused locally during the pandemic and had not yet been restarted. In response to a supplementary question regarding qualifying ages, the Director of Education confirmed that the age for the scheme nationally had been changed to age 13, however, in the Pembrokeshire Health Board region, it remained age 14. He stated that no decision had yet been made in regards to lowering the age.
Councillor Michelle Bateman, on behalf of the relevant Cabinet Member Councillor Jon Harvey, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Michael Stoddart prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: Can the Leader provide an update on progress regarding the housing project at the former Motorworld building in Charles Street Milford Haven? In response, Councillor Bateman stated that a tender exercise had recently been completed for Motorworld, Milford Haven housing development site. The evaluation process for this exercise was now underway and would take some weeks to complete. Once the outcome of the evaluation was known, the Council would be able to confirm timescales in regards to next steps. She stated that with escalating costs limiting contractor interest, a review was said to be underway of the Council’s housing schemes against the backdrop of affordability, as part of the 30 year Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan. She highlighted that this could lead to some delay in progressing this specific site development, as availability of additional grant funding was sought to supplement the programme. Nevertheless, the continued progress of Haven’s View was said to remain a priority within the Housing Development Programme due to the housing pressures the County was facing. In response to a supplementary question regarding whether the development would go ahead, Councillor Bateman stated that the development was a key priority for the Council and alternative grants were being explored. She stated that should would ask Councillor Harvey, the relevant Cabinet Member, to email any further comments.
Councillor Michelle Bateman, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Jacob Williams prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: When councillors voted to introduce a large alcohol exclusion zone covering most of Haverfordwest at this year's July full council meeting, they did so without knowing the financial implications of implementing the relevant Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) despite questions about it before the vote. Could the relevant cabinet member please inform council how much it will - or has - cost to implement this PSPO, with a complete breakdown of the associated costs? In response, Councillor Bateman stated thatthe development of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Haverfordwest was undertaken by Officers as part of their core work. The additional costs to develop and install the associated signs amounted to £3505.20. She then outlined the breakdown of the total figure as follows: Item Cost £ 100no. A3 PSPO signs with fixing rail attached 1553.20 Erection of signs 1852 Translation costs IRO 100 Total costs 3505.20 In response to a supplementary question regarding action that had been taken so far, the Director of Community Services stated that until the appropriate signs were in place, the Council was not in a position to carry out any enforcement activity via the Police. He highlighted that once the signs were in place, the PSPO would become effective for a three-year period.
The Leader and Councillor Michelle Bateman, the relevant Cabinet Members, responded to questions respectively, submitted by Councillor Aled Thomas prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: 1. The agricultural industry is a vital part of our county’s economy, livelihood and a key asset in tacking climate change. Yet, despite the Council being one of the largest landlords in the county, there appears to be no Cabinet member with the industry in their title. Please can the leader inform council who the Cabinet member is responsible for rural affairs in Pembrokeshire? 2. Can the relevant Cabinet member for rural affairs outline the plans and procedures that are in place to control the inevitable spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza which we are already seeing in our constituents in the south of the county? In response to question one, the Leader confirmed that Councillor Paul Miller would be the relevant Cabinet Member. In response to a supplementary question relating to question one, Councillor Paul Miller stated that he would be happy to review the letting policy for farms in line with the new legislative requirements. In response to question two, Councillor Bateman stated that a Notifiable Avian Disease Control Strategy had been produced for Great Britain, which included the risk from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This strategy was said to contain detailed information on the possible controls for containing an outbreak of Avian Flu. Councillor Bateman then went on to highlight the strategy as follows; Surveillance • The incidence of Avian Flu in the wild bird population and in poultry flocks is subject to active surveillance by the Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). • In Wales the threat to the wild bird population rests with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), supported by other relevant organisations, including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Declaration of Prevention Zone • Where the general threat from the disease is high a Prevention Zone can be declared by Welsh Government, with a general restriction on bird gatherings and guidance on enhanced biosecurity measures published for poultry and bird keepers. In addition, guidance was issued to landowners and the public on how to safely dispose of any dead wild birds that might be found on their property. Responsibility for Recovery of wild dead birds • The Local Authority Environmental Services is responsible for recovering any dead birds that are reported on public land, although with the expectation generally limited to birds in areas with high public footfall or which are liable to be scavenged by susceptible species. Responsibility for Responding to an incident in poultry and captive birds • As has recently occurred in Pembrokeshire, where an incident of Avian Flu is confirmed at a premises where poultry or other captive birds are held, Welsh Government (through its Chief Veterinary Officer) may declare a 3km ‘Protection Zone’ around the infected premises, and wider 10km surveillance zone SZ. In these circumstances, the Exotic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan is invoked with incident management meetings (‘Bird-Table’ meetings) established, led by Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) vets, but with representatives from across a range of partner organisations including the Authority, Welsh Government and Public Health Wales. • In such incidents, APHA vets were responsible for control measures applied at the infected premises, which was essentially ‘locked-down’, and a team of vets would be brought in to undertake an epidemiological investigation, and to advise on and oversee the application of strict biosecurity measures to prevent against transmission of infection off the site/between sites, culling of stock, and subsequent cleaning and disinfection regimes. During this incident, coordinated by Animal Health and Welfare staff services, many Officers from across the Authority were involved in: erecting signage at the entry/exit points to the Protections and Surveillance Zones drawing attention to the status of these areas. undertaking foot patrols to every property within the Protection Zone to establish whether poultry or other captive birds were held on site and the health status of these birds. (Details of all sites with captive birds were collated by the Authority and returned to an APHA Surveillance Team who risk assess the sites based on the information returned and prioritise these for follow up visits by veterinary officers) where compliance issues arise, Animal Health and Welfare Inspectors may be called upon to exercise our statutory powers. These have not had to be applied in this instance. In response to a supplementary question in relation to Bovine Tuberculosis and badger culling, Councillor Bateman stated that she was not prepared to give an answer without detailed information, but would be happy to discuss the matter further with Councillor Thomas at a meeting with relevant Officers and other farmers if required. [Councillor Thomas Tudor left the meeting at this juncture].
Councillor Guy Woodham, the relevant Cabinet Member, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Aled Thomas prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: Following a change in school boundaries in 2018, many children in Johnston who go to the new Haverfordwest High School are ineligible for a bus pass. However, the head teacher has released a newsletter saying parents should not drive their children to school. Additionally, the nearest service bus route would drop young children far away from the school and increase the risk of harm to them. Can the relevant cabinet member outline what they/the council are doing to support these parents and indeed keep the children of Johnston safe on their journey to school? In response, Councillor Woodham stated that as part of the school admissions process, parents could exercise their right to express a preference for any school they wish their children to attend subject to the level of applications received, the relevant admissions authority must admit up to the published school admission number. Pembrokeshire County Council’s policy was that children may be able to get free transport to school, subject to meeting a number of the following criteria: · Be a resident of Pembrokeshire · Be of compulsory school age · Be attending their catchment area school which is designated by the Council to serve the pupil’s home address, or to the nearest suitable school · Live at least 3 miles from the school In relation to children living in Johnston, their catchment secondary school was said to be Milford Haven School, and free home to school transport was provided to that school, subject to pupils meeting the above qualifying criteria. Councillor Woodham stated that parents who chose alternative schools would need to make their own transport arrangements and this was said to be clearly outlined as part of the school transport policy. Information in relation to the process of applying for both admission to school and school transport, was said to appear on the same area of the Council website, and this was deliberately intended to encourage parents to check their children’s eligibility to school transport before they applied for admission to school. As an additional measure, an online transport eligibility checker has been in place for at least 12 months in order to assist parents with this, and was in place when parents were required to submit their applications for admission to secondary school for the 2022/23 academic year. There are two service buses outside the control of Pembrokeshire County Council from Johnston to Haverfordwest Bus station in the morning: the 302 and 349. Councillor Woodham stated that he understood that some parents were stating that they did not know that Johnston was not within the catchment area for Haverfordwest High School. However, the information on this was clear. Also, when parents apply for a school place, they were notified to check school transport entitlement prior to applying. For parents and pupils from Johnston living in Johnston, where they had made that specific choice to attend an out of catchment school, Councillor Woodham advised that there was public transport provision available, with a short walk from the Haverfordwest bus station to the School. To conclude, he stated that the Council did not provide transport or make any contribution towards transport costs for pupils admitted as a result of a parental expression of preference for a school which was not deemed as the ‘nearest suitable school’. In such circumstances, parents were responsible for making their own transport arrangements and for meeting all transport costs. In response to a supplementary question regarding catchment areas, Councillor Woodham stated that he would be happy to hear the concerns from Members regarding catchment areas but advised that the policy was always agreed a year in advance. The Director of Education then stated that unless proposals were related to school organisation, they would not be subject to public consultation, however the findings and recommendations as a result of reviews, would be considered by Cabinet.
Councillor Rhys Sinnett, on behalf of the relevant Cabinet Member Councillor Jon Harvey, responded to a question submitted by Councillor Elwyn Morse prior to the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 4.10 as follows: It’s been brought to my attention that Bluestone Resort is no longer allowing local people to access the Blue Lagoon Water Centre and has limited the use of the pool to those staying at Bluestone only. I recollect that when granted planning permission, the owner went to great lengths to assure decision makers and Pembrokeshire people that the pool would be open to non-residents. On the back of this assurance, public funding into swimming opportunities in the east of the county were reduced. Was this item covered in the original section 106? Now with local people being excluded from this facility, can I ask if Bluestone Resort Ltd could be requested to make up this deficiency with a financial contribution to enhance other swimming facilities in the local area? In response, Councillor Sinnett stated that there were no requirements within the S106 Agreement or planning permission that required the Blue Lagoon to be open to non-residents, therefore limiting the use to residents only did not breach planning control. Councillor Sinnett then highlighted that the matter of swimming provision was a matter that sat within his Cabinet portfolio. He highlighted that he was committed to reviewing swimming provision in the south east of the county, as a result of the recent report in response to the Notice of Motion regarding Tenby pool, submitted by Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall. Councillor Sinnett stated that he would want to consider the implications of Bluestone’s decision to remove access to their facility for non-residents, as well as the impact on future needs and demands for public swimming in the wider Tenby and south east area of the County. In response to a supplementary question regarding the reduction of swimming facilities in south-east of the County, Councillor Sinnett highlighted that a Working Group was in the process of being formed as a result of Councillor Skyrme-Blackhall’s Notice of Motion, which would look at various options and cost implications for future provisions.
A Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Tony Wilcox in the following terms: Request that PCC enter into dialogue with all interested community Halls /registered Charities who operate from their own premises within Pembrokeshire with a view to assisting them financially by way of a grant targeted at the extortionate rises in utility prices which in some cases have risen by 75 per cent! We all I am sure appreciate the vital work facilities such as these provide to their communities and I fear that several will not survive given the additional increases in utility prices. In conclusion this be reviewed annually as we all hope prices will return to a more sustainable level one day. Upon the terms of Council Procedure Rule 10.4, the Motion having been Moved by Councillor Peter Morgan; Seconded by Councillor Paul Miller then stood referred to Cabinet.
A Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Rhys Jordan in the following terms: The Leader / The Member for Education & Welsh Language write a letter to the Minister for Education at Welsh Government expressing that as an authority Pembrokeshire County Council do not support or condone the removal of the historic rights of parents or guardians to withdraw their child / children from certain subjects being taught as part of the new RSE curriculum if they deem it to be inappropriate. Upon the terms of Council Procedure Rule 10.4, the Motion having been Moved by Councillor Alan Dennison; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett then stood referred to Cabinet.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That a Seminar be provided for Members enabling them to be fully informed of the RSE content of the New Curriculum.
A Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Viv Stoddart in the following terms: That a seminar be provided for members enabling them to be fully informed of the RSE content of the New Curriculum. In accordance with Procedure rule 4.11.4 (h) of Part 2 of the Constitution, the Presiding Member had previously advised that he would allow the Notice of Motion to be considered at the meeting on the basis that he considered it to be conducive to the despatch of business. He advised Council that he would not permit any debate on the subject matter only whether a Seminar was supported. Councillor Stoddart’s written supporting statement had been circulated to all Members in advance of the meeting for information. Councillor Stoddart addressed Council in support of her Notice of Motion and explained that the RSE content of the new Curriculum was proving controversial and that it was essential that Members fully understand and be informed of the content of RSE so that they could respond accurately to questions and concerns raised by Members and that a seminar would give Members the relevant information they required. Councillor Guy Woodham as the relevant Cabinet Member, pointed out that the outcome of a Judicial Review on the curriculum was due in November and he considered that the Seminar would be premature until after that time as information might change. The Notice of Motion was Moved by Councillor Viv Stoddart; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Jordan. For the Motion: Councillors Jamie Adams, Steve Alderman, Maureen Bowen, David Bryan, Aaron Carey, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Terry Davies, John Davies, Alan Dennison, Andrew Edwards, Tim Evans, Jonathan Grimes, Nicola Gwynn, Simon Hancock, Delme Harries, Tessa Hodgson, David Howlett, Mike John, Rhys Jordan, Phill Kidney, Paul Miller, Elwyn Morse, Reg Owens, Mel Phillips, Bethan Price, Shon Rees, Jordan Ryan, David Simpson, Rhys Sinnett, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Aled Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Iwan Ward, Michele Wiggins, Tony Wilcox, Chris Williams, Jacob Williams, Steve Yelland and Danny Young [45] Against the Motion: Councillors Michelle Bateman, Joshua Beynon, Alistair Cameron, Alec Cormack, Pat Davies, Brian Hall, Peter Morgan and Guy Woodham [8] Abstentions: Councillors Huw Murphy and Neil Prior [2] RESOLVED That a Seminar be provided for Members enabling them to be fully informed of the RSE content of the New Curriculum.
A Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor Jacob Williams in the following terms: That the council evaluates its current procedure for the shortlisting of candidates in relation to the recruitment of posts in which the Senior Staff Committee plays a role. Upon the terms of Council Procedure Rule 10.4, the Motion having been Moved by Councillor Jacob Williams; Seconded by Councillor Mike Stoddart then stood referred to the Constitutional Review Committee.
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Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.