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RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be not supported at this time, but that the locality be monitored over the next six months and revert back to Cabinet in due course with figures following this season, and further engagement over the options to address this matter.
RESOLVED That the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member responsible for Property matters, be authorised to proceed to respond to the Community Asset Transfers in accordance with the Officer Recommendations outlined in tables one and three of the report. This is subject to them being satisfied that a disposal will contribute to the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the area and the extent of the undervalue does not exceed £2 million.
RESOLVED That the progress report be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the content of the report be noted. (b) That the scheme be re-tendered as proposed. (c) That the site be utilised as a temporary car park until such time as a contractor needs to occupy the site for the purposes of completing the proposed scheme. (d) That the temporary car park be chargeable in line with the car park order which covers the site. (e) That a sum equivalent to the income generated from the site (less the cost of implementing and managing the temporary car park) be ring-fenced for the purposes of creating a disruption fund for the town centre with the detail of how such a scheme would be operated, and approval for any disbursements from such a scheme, be delegated to the Deputy Leader (Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change).
RESOLVED That the following be endorsed subject to due legal process: That “Option (b)” be adopted, with the Order being made, with the following comments / amendments to reflect the consultation feedback: a. C3041 New Road between Freystrop and Hook - to be progressed as advertised and monitored with a view that it will be considered further if supported by evidence. b. C3185 Stepaside – retain as 30mph by exception (Amendment to Order) c. B4341 Broad Haven Hill - retain as 30mph: proceed as advertised i.e. retain as 30mph by exception - review once the residential development on entry to the village has been confirmed and work commenced on site. Efforts would be better directed to provision of footway alongside carriageway. C3007 Sardis to Hill Mountain proposed 20mph -that this section of road be retained as 30mph by exception in line with the representation made by Members of the community and statutory consultees.
RESOLVED (a) That, subject to eligibility, a seed corn capital bid for infrastructure improvements be agreed to be submitted as part of the Celtic Freeport Outline Business Case. (b) That the schedule of revised charges and new charges as outlined in the report be approved. (c) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place, Region and Climate Change, to amend charges and operational requirements in line with the budget target to achieve a nil subsidy. (d) That the potential for future third party development and investment and, in particular, opportunities associated with the Celtic Freeport be noted. (e) That it be agreed that a governance and operating model options review be commissioned.
RESOLVED (a) That the achievements of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund be recognised. (b) The Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund be amalgamated into a single generic funding pot for all projects with immediate effect. (c) That an indicative allocation of £400k will support large and £300k will support small applications, reviewed regularly to manage annual budget performance. (d) That a scoring matrix for use by the grant panel be realigned to support the above. (e) That the award of Enhancing Pembrokeshire grants of up to £15,000 be delegated to the Head of Regeneration and Economic Development. (f) That decisions on applications over £15,000 to the maximum award of £100,000 be made by Cabinet. (g) That increased team capacity to strengthen the Community Regeneration community development offer be enabled through an increase in the budget top slice from 5% to 12.5%.
RESOLVED (a) That the officer response to the single representation received on the replacement LDP (LDP 2) Preferred Strategy, presented in Appendix A to the report, be endorsed, following the further targeted public consultation in 2022 and in consequence does not make any amendments to the Preferred Strategy document. The representation and response will be presented (if accepted) as Appendix F to the Initial Consultation Report on the Council’s website. (b) That the Addendum to the original LDP 2 Initial Consultation Report, which forms Appendix B to this document, be endorsed. That will subsequently be presented (if accepted) as Appendix G to the Initial Consultation Report on the Council’s website. (c) That both matters are subsequently presented for further consideration by Full Council at its 13 July 2023 meeting.
RESOLVED (a) That the Outturn Monitoring Report (revenue, cost reductions / efficiencies, capital, reserves, revenue collections and treasury management) for 2022-23, be approved. (b) That the appropriation of £2.826m be approved to be appropriated to the Initiative Fund reserve to provide resources for the Council to invest in improvement projects and to realise future cost avoidance / budget saving opportunities.
RESOLVED That authority be delegated to the Director of Social Care and Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, to award funding from the Direct Food Support Fund 2022-23.
RESOLVED That the adoption of the new Special Guardian Policy be approved.
RESOLVED That the Statement of Licensing Policy under the Gambling Act 2005 – 2023, be approved.
The following declarations were received: Item 4 - Notice of Motion Relating to Residents Parking Permits Councillor Michael Williams declared a personal interest by virtue of the Notice of Motion being in his name and as he was a beneficiary of the parking outlined in the report. Item 5 - Community Asset Transfer – Update Councillor Guy Woodham declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Milford Haven Town Councillor. Councillor Rhys Sinnett declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Milford Haven Town Councillor. Item 10 – Review of Enhancing Pembrokeshire Processes Councillor Guy Woodham declared a personal interest by virtue of being employed by the Torch Theatre and his husband being the Chair of the Sea Cadets Unit. Councillor Jon Harvey declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Member of the Green Park Pembroke Committee. Councillor Alec Cormack declared a personal interest by virtue of being an Amroth and Saundersfoot Town Councillor. Councillor Neil Prior declared a personal interest by virtue of being involved with grants relating to Llanrhian Community Council. Item 13 - Direct Food Support Fund 2023-24 Councillor Jon Harvey declared a personal and prejudicial interest by virtue of his wife being employed by PAVS.
The Leader Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Guy Woodham. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Extraordinary Cabinet Meeting held on 9 May 2023 and the Minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 22 May 2023, be approved as a correct record.
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RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be not supported at this time, but that the locality be monitored over the next six months and revert back to Cabinet in due course with figures following this season, and further engagement over the options to address this matter.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Infrastructure and Environment which outlined the Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Michael Williams to Council on 11 May 2023, regarding Residents Parking Permits. The Notice of Motion was submitted as follows: That PCC urgently review their policy of selling residents parking permits to visitors. Councillor Michael Williams the originator of the Motion, spoke in support of his Notice of Motion and accepted the Recommendations outlined in the report. In response to the Notice of Motion,Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services, introduced the report and stated that he would be happy to meet with local Members in Tenby, as well as bring back further data, as a result of monitoring the demand of visitor permits, to another meeting with Members to discuss potential options. He then suggest the use of zonal parking. Councillor Williams expressed that he believed zonal parking would not be beneficial, but thanked Councillor Sinnett for the way forward. Councillor Rhys Sinnett Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Jon Harvey. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be not supported at this time, but that the locality be monitored over the next six months and revert back to Cabinet in due course with figures following this season, and further engagement over the options to address this matter.
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RESOLVED That the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member responsible for Property matters, be authorised to proceed to respond to the Community Asset Transfers in accordance with the Officer Recommendations outlined in tables one and three of the report. This is subject to them being satisfied that a disposal will contribute to the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the area and the extent of the undervalue does not exceed £2 million.
Cabinet considered a report by the Interim Chief Property Officer and Assistant Chief Executive which outlined an update regarding Community Asset Transfers. Councillor Paul Miller, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change, introduced the report and stated that it set out the current position in relation to a number of Community Asset Transfer in the various stages of the process. He recognised that performance in the property function needed to be focused on and that he was committed to working with the team to address any issues, and highlighted that additional resources and additional posts had been approved. Councillor Paul Miller Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Jon Harvey. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member responsible for Property matters, be authorised to proceed to respond to the Community Asset Transfers in accordance with the Officer Recommendations outlined in tables one and three of the report. This is subject to them being satisfied that a disposal will contribute to the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of the area and the extent of the undervalue does not exceed £2 million.
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RESOLVED That the progress report be noted.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Community Services which outlined an update on progress of the Western Quayside project. Councillor Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change, introduced the report and outlined the significant challenges that the project had faced. He then referenced the ongoing timeline of the project, with principal works due to be completed, potentially, as early as October 2023. Councillor Miller also made reference to a tenancy offer that had been designed, to encourage smaller local businesses to rent ground floor spaces on offer. He stated that the Council wished to partner with small businesses in order to invest in the future of Haverfordwest. He highlighted that additional grants were available to small businesses for expansion and job creation, through the Shared Prosperity Business Anchor Fund. Councillor Miller believed that the project, as a wider package, would be transformational for the fortunes of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire. Councillor Paul Miller Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Jon Harvey. Councillor Harvey stated his support and believed that the ongoing projects, including the Haverfordwest Transport Interchange, would be positive for the town centre. He highlighted that he was confident that the outlined schemes would be very well supported when complete. Councillor Alec Cormack stated that he had visited the site and congratulated the team for their work on the project. The Leader stated that he had also visited the project site with various MP’s, who were said to be impressed with the site. He then praised the regeneration scheme, as well as the funds that had been received due to the efforts of the team, who he then thanked. Councillor Miller agreed with his colleagues and stated that the commercial case for such investments was really strong, and where there was no commercial case, flagship investments such as Haverfordwest Castle, had been successful in securing UK and Welsh government investment. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the progress report be noted.
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RESOLVED (a) That the content of the report be noted. (b) That the scheme be re-tendered as proposed. (c) That the site be utilised as a temporary car park until such time as a contractor needs to occupy the site for the purposes of completing the proposed scheme. (d) That the temporary car park be chargeable in line with the car park order which covers the site. (e) That a sum equivalent to the income generated from the site (less the cost of implementing and managing the temporary car park) be ring-fenced for the purposes of creating a disruption fund for the town centre with the detail of how such a scheme would be operated, and approval for any disbursements from such a scheme, be delegated to the Deputy Leader (Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change).
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of infrastructure and Environment which outlined a full project update, forward plan and associated costings and funding plan for the project. Councillor Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change, introduced the report and stated that the full value of grant funding that had been sought for the project had been secured, and subject to tender values, it was expected to cost the Council in the region of £2 million to complete. He highlighted that it was an income generating asset and would generate approximately £300,000 per year, which was said to be a strong return on investment. Councillor Miller explained that the tender exercise failed to return a compliant tender, therefore, Officers had reviewed and proposed an alternative method of approaching the market through a two-stage approach, which they believed to be a better way of engaging with the market and one more likely to obtain a successful tender as a result. It was said that this would, however, introduce a six month delay to the process. Councillor Miller then Moved the following: (a) That the content of the report be noted. (b) That the scheme be re-tendered as proposed. (c) That the site be utilised as a temporary car park until such time as a contractor needs to occupy the site for the purposes of completing the proposed scheme. (d) That the temporary car park be chargeable in line with the car park order which covers the site. (e) That a sum equivalent to the income generated from the site (less the cost of implementing and managing the temporary car park) be ring-fenced for the purposes of creating a disruption fund for the town centre with the detail of how such a scheme would be operated, and approval for any disbursements from such a scheme, be delegated to the Deputy Leader (Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change). Councillor Rhys Sinnett agreed with Councillor Miller and supported the scheme and welcomed the updated Recommendations. Councillor Alec Cormack praised the amount of grant funding that had been received for the project. The Motion was Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the content of the report be noted. (b) That the scheme be re-tendered as proposed. (c) That the site be utilised as a temporary car park until such time as a contractor needs to occupy the site for the purposes of completing the proposed scheme. (d) That the temporary car park be chargeable in line with the car park order which covers the site. (e) That a sum equivalent to the income generated from the site (less the cost of implementing and managing the temporary car park) be ring-fenced for the purposes of creating a disruption fund for the town centre with the detail of how such a scheme would be operated, and approval for any disbursements from such a scheme, be delegated to the Deputy Leader (Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change).
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RESOLVED That the following be endorsed subject to due legal process: That “Option (b)” be adopted, with the Order being made, with the following comments / amendments to reflect the consultation feedback: a. C3041 New Road between Freystrop and Hook - to be progressed as advertised and monitored with a view that it will be considered further if supported by evidence. b. C3185 Stepaside – retain as 30mph by exception (Amendment to Order) c. B4341 Broad Haven Hill - retain as 30mph: proceed as advertised i.e. retain as 30mph by exception - review once the residential development on entry to the village has been confirmed and work commenced on site. Efforts would be better directed to provision of footway alongside carriageway. C3007 Sardis to Hill Mountain proposed 20mph -that this section of road be retained as 30mph by exception in line with the representation made by Members of the community and statutory consultees.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Infrastructure and Environment which outlined consultation feedback received for the County of Pembroke (Various Roads) (Speed Limits) Amalgamation Order 2023. Councillor Rhys Sinnett, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services, introduced the report and stated that the matter had been subject to consultations with Members, stakeholders and the Public, with the outcomes summarised within the report. He then highlighted that correspondence had been received from Councillor Michael John in regards to New Road between Freystrop and Hook, with Councillor Sinnett stating that the matter would be addressed during the discussion. The Head of Infrastructure and Senior Traffic Engineer then explained the technical reasons behind the proposed Recommendations. Councillor Sinnett stated that the team would continue to monitor the implementation of the legislation, particularly on roads where concerns had been raised. The Leader stated his support for the Recommendations and was pleased to know that the implementation of the legislation could be assessed in the short term and amended if necessary. Councillor Alec Cormack agreed and supported the exception as outlined in the report. Councillor Neil Prior also supported the decision to monitor and review the situation and stated that it felt reasonable given the amount of work that had been undertaken, in order to implement the legislation. Councillor Michelle Bateman was pleased to see information regarding ‘buffer zones’ outlined in the report, as concerns had been raised by members of her ward. She stated that she would be happy to be involved in conversations relating to the matter going forward. Councillor Sinnett then thanked the Head of Infrastructure, Senior Traffic Engineer and team for their work on implementing the Welsh Government Legislation. Councillor Rhys Sinnett Moved the Recommendation. Councillor Paul Miller referred to general exceptions and stated that sensible applications for exceptions was the correct way forward. The Motion was Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [8] Abstention: Councillor Tessa Hodgson [1] There were no votes against. RESOLVED That the following be endorsed subject to due legal process: That “Option (b)” be adopted, with the Order being made, with the following comments / amendments to reflect the consultation feedback: a. C3041 New Road between Freystrop and Hook - to be progressed as advertised and monitored with a view that it will be considered further if supported by evidence. b. C3185 Stepaside – retain as 30mph by exception (Amendment to Order) c. B4341 Broad Haven Hill - retain as 30mph: proceed as advertised i.e. retain as 30mph by exception - review once the residential development on entry to the village has been confirmed and work commenced on site. Efforts would be better directed to provision of footway alongside carriageway. C3007 Sardis to Hill Mountain proposed 20mph -that this section of road be retained as 30mph by exception in line with the representation made by Members of the community and statutory consultees.
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RESOLVED (a) That, subject to eligibility, a seed corn capital bid for infrastructure improvements be agreed to be submitted as part of the Celtic Freeport Outline Business Case. (b) That the schedule of revised charges and new charges as outlined in the report be approved. (c) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place, Region and Climate Change, to amend charges and operational requirements in line with the budget target to achieve a nil subsidy. (d) That the potential for future third party development and investment and, in particular, opportunities associated with the Celtic Freeport be noted. (e) That it be agreed that a governance and operating model options review be commissioned.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Community Services which outlined an update on developments at Haverfordwest airport, including proposals for addressing maintenance backlogs and for improving financial performance (including fees and charges for 2023/24), and reviewing longer term options. Councillor Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change, introduced the report and stated that the report highlighted how the financial position of the airport would be improved, its strategic importance for Pembrokeshire, as well as its potential for investment in the medium term. He stated that he was supportive of the airport being a serviceable and functional airport in Pembrokeshire and referred to the importance of connectivity within the County. Councillor Miller then stated that the airport must run at a revenue neutral position. Councillor Paul Miller Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Jon Harvey. Councillor Jon Harvey stated that he was supportive of the review outlined in the Recommendation. He then sought clarification in regards to upgrading existing fuel tanks and whether that would be funded through grant monies, via applications to the Celtic Freeport, as opposed to funds contributed by the Council. In response, Councillor Miller stated that there was no proposal to spend the Council’s Capital funds, however if there was, it would be put through the usual Capital Funding Approval process. Councillor Alec Cormack stated his support in regards to the strategic benefits of owning the airport and supported the governance and operating model options review. Councillor Neil Prior stated that the airport was a good asset for the Council, especially given developments with the Celtic Freeport. He also supported the review and was pleased to see that progress was being made. Councillor Rhys Sinnett sought clarification in regards to the timeline of the operating model review and what the potential options could be. In response, Councillor Miller stated that he believed the airport could operate at a nil subsidy, and that this would strengthen the position of the Council in regards to the future of the airport. He highlighted that it could be possible to view the outcomes of the review, as well as the pros and cons of the various approaches going forward, following the end of the current financial year. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That, subject to eligibility, a seed corn capital bid for infrastructure improvements be agreed to be submitted as part of the Celtic Freeport Outline Business Case. (b) That the schedule of revised charges and new charges as outlined in the report be approved. (c) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place, Region and Climate Change, to amend charges and operational requirements in line with the budget target to achieve a nil subsidy. (d) That the potential for future third party development and investment and, in particular, opportunities associated with the Celtic Freeport be noted. (e) That it be agreed that a governance and operating model options review be commissioned.
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RESOLVED (a) That the achievements of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund be recognised. (b) The Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund be amalgamated into a single generic funding pot for all projects with immediate effect. (c) That an indicative allocation of £400k will support large and £300k will support small applications, reviewed regularly to manage annual budget performance. (d) That a scoring matrix for use by the grant panel be realigned to support the above. (e) That the award of Enhancing Pembrokeshire grants of up to £15,000 be delegated to the Head of Regeneration and Economic Development. (f) That decisions on applications over £15,000 to the maximum award of £100,000 be made by Cabinet. (g) That increased team capacity to strengthen the Community Regeneration community development offer be enabled through an increase in the budget top slice from 5% to 12.5%.
Cabinet considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive and the Director of Resources which outlined a review of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Processes. Councillor Neil Prior, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Improvement and Communities, introduced the report and highlighted the achievements of Enhancing Pembrokeshire, changes to the delivery of the process, changes to the Grant Panel structure and associated scoring matrix and the approval of additional staff to support the delivery of Pembrokeshire’s Community Regeneration Agenda. It was mentioned that 75% of grant funding had been targeted towards local wards, proportionate to the number of second homes in that ward; however, the updated grant allocations process was said to allow for the offer of small and large grants which would be open to any community.Councillor Prior also highlighted that by having more Officers to support projects, they could work more closely with communities to help them shape their projects, but also to help them identify the sums of funding needed. Councillor Neil Prior Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Tessa Hodgson. Councillor Tessa Hodgson stated that she was in support of the changes and the fact that they would be kept under review. She then thanked the Community Safety Poverty and Regeneration Manager and her team for their work. Councillor Alec Cormack supported the outlined changes and asked Officers to closely monitor the new mechanism, to ensure that it would introduce more equity and efficiency in the distribution of Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grants, and trusted that revised proposals would be brought back to Cabinet should they not do so. Councillor Michelle Bateman referred to the impact of second homes across the County in regards to providing services and believed it was right that the Council was willing to change. She supported the fact that communities would not be prevented from bidding for suitable applications. Councillor Rhys Sinnett sought clarification as to whether there was a cap for the amount of bids a community could submit, as well as the amount they could bid for. In response, Councillor Prior confirmed that there was no funding limit within the available funding window. He also thanked the Community Safety Poverty and Regeneration Manager and her team for their work. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the achievements of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund be recognised. (b) The Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund be amalgamated into a single generic funding pot for all projects with immediate effect. (c) That an indicative allocation of £400k will support large and £300k will support small applications, reviewed regularly to manage annual budget performance. (d) That a scoring matrix for use by the grant panel be realigned to support the above. (e) That the award of Enhancing Pembrokeshire grants of up to £15,000 be delegated to the Head of Regeneration and Economic Development. (f) That decisions on applications over £15,000 to the maximum award of £100,000 be made by Cabinet. (g) That increased team capacity to strengthen the Community Regeneration community development offer be enabled through an increase in the budget top slice from 5% to 12.5%.
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RESOLVED (a) That the officer response to the single representation received on the replacement LDP (LDP 2) Preferred Strategy, presented in Appendix A to the report, be endorsed, following the further targeted public consultation in 2022 and in consequence does not make any amendments to the Preferred Strategy document. The representation and response will be presented (if accepted) as Appendix F to the Initial Consultation Report on the Council’s website. (b) That the Addendum to the original LDP 2 Initial Consultation Report, which forms Appendix B to this document, be endorsed. That will subsequently be presented (if accepted) as Appendix G to the Initial Consultation Report on the Council’s website. (c) That both matters are subsequently presented for further consideration by Full Council at its 13 July 2023 meeting.
Cabinet considered a report by the Head of Planning which outlined the outcome of targeted preferred strategy consultation in 2022, in regards to the Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP) 2. Councillor Jon Harvey, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning and Housing Delivery, introduced the report and stated that a targeted LDP 2 Preferred Strategy consultation ran from 19January to 16 March 2022, where a single response was received. He explained that the Officer’s response was outlined in Appendix A to the report. Councillor Harvey then mentioned that whilst candidate sites were put forward in the current and previous stage of the process, it was not considered that there should be any revisions made to the LDP 2 preferred strategy. Councillor Jon Harvey Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack. Councillor Alec Cormack sought clarification as to whether the repeat of the deposit stage in early 2024 would give Members an opportunity to encourage local residents to read the document and give comments. In response, Councillor Harvey confirmed this to be the case. The Head of Planning added that there would also be a series of engagement events in due course to publicise the consultation. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the officer response to the single representation received on the replacement LDP (LDP 2) Preferred Strategy, presented in Appendix A to the report, be endorsed, following the further targeted public consultation in 2022 and in consequence does not make any amendments to the Preferred Strategy document. The representation and response will be presented (if accepted) as Appendix F to the Initial Consultation Report on the Council’s website. (b) That the Addendum to the original LDP 2 Initial Consultation Report, which forms Appendix B to this document, be endorsed. That will subsequently be presented (if accepted) as Appendix G to the Initial Consultation Report on the Council’s website. (c) That both matters are subsequently presented for further consideration by Full Council at its 13 July 2023 meeting.
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RESOLVED (a) That the Outturn Monitoring Report (revenue, cost reductions / efficiencies, capital, reserves, revenue collections and treasury management) for 2022-23, be approved. (b) That the appropriation of £2.826m be approved to be appropriated to the Initiative Fund reserve to provide resources for the Council to invest in improvement projects and to realise future cost avoidance / budget saving opportunities.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Resources which outlined the County Council Budget Outturn Monitoring Report for 2022-23. Councillor Alec Cormack, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance, introduced the report and outlined the challenges to be faced in the current year, when setting the budget for 2024-25 and the remainder of the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). He highlighted that the moratorium on non-essential spending and recruitment being in place for the majority of the last year, ensured that the Council's financial position improved throughout that year. It was said that the projected overspend of £2.2 million in November was reversed into an outturn underspend of £2.9 million, which was 1.1% below budget, after accounting for contributions to and from reserves. He thanked employees, partner organisations and Pembrokeshire residents for their continued support during this challenging period and stated that coming in 1% under budget was a positive result. Councillor Cormack stated, however, that the vacancy management saving was partly from the recruitment freeze as well as the continued high level of essential vacancies across the Council, as a result of high turnover and challenges when recruiting qualified replacements. He highlighted that this continued to place an increased and sustained pressure on Officers, which could not continue over the long term. He then referred to a slippage in the Capital Programme which had resulted in savings in loan interest and higher investment balances on future external borrowings. Councillor Cormack also mentioned services that were over budget, Council Tax collection, reduced inflation, cost of living crisis pressures on pay negotiations, increase in Aggregate External Funding (AEF), potential budget savings of £10 million for 2024-25 and invest-to-save opportunities and projects. He believed that the funding gap in the MTFP for 2026-27 would likely increase rather than decrease, and highlighted that the Council would have to face some extremely difficult decisions in March 2024 when setting the budget. Councillor Alec Cormack Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Neil Prior. Councillor Paul Miller sought clarification as to whether the Council was holding a prudent level of reserves, rather than building reserve upon reserve. In response, Councillor Cormack stated that there was no incentive in having excess reserves and highlighted that reserves existed to support the activities of the Council and specific projects. He stated that he would be happy to have a more in-depth discussion on the matter ahead of setting the following year’s budget. The Deputy Chief Finance Officer/Deputy S151 Officer explained that the Council did not unnecessarily place funds into reserves, as they were specifically for earmarked projects. She highlighted that reserves were reviewed year on year, in line with the Council’s Reserve Strategy. The Chief Executive then offered his perspective on the Outturn Monitoring Report. Councillor Michelle Bateman referred to vacancy management and suggested that some roles currently being advertised may not be needed as vacancy management was having an impact on service delivery, as well as an impact on recruitment and staff retention. Councillor Cormack agreed and stated that there were Officers who were extremely stressed and pressured by coping with gaps in the Council’s permanent headcount, and highlighted that it was not maintainable in the long term. He suggested that if the Council was to have a lower number of Staff, work levels needed to be reduced. Councillor Cormack thanked the Finance Team for their work on the report under the difficult timescales. He then pointed out that on page 228 of the Agenda, the Target Date for the Audited Statement of Accounts reviewed by Governance & Audit Committee, should read February 2024. Councillor Rhys Sinnett sought clarification in regards to the whether the Initiative Fund could be used flexibly to respond to the various challenges to be faced in the short term, and for Directorates that required additional staff to carry out potential cost-saving ideas. In response, Councillor Cormack stated that he had asked the Chief Executive to review the process in order to allow future invest-to-save proposals to be implemented quickly. He mentioned that investing in order to create time for Managers to find service improvements, would be a sensible use of the funds. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED (a) That the Outturn Monitoring Report (revenue, cost reductions / efficiencies, capital, reserves, revenue collections and treasury management) for 2022-23, be approved. (b) That the appropriation of £2.826m be approved to be appropriated to the Initiative Fund reserve to provide resources for the Council to invest in improvement projects and to realise future cost avoidance / budget saving opportunities.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That authority be delegated to the Director of Social Care and Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, to award funding from the Direct Food Support Fund 2022-23.
[Due to his declaration of a personal and prejudicial interest, Councillor Jon Harvey withdrew from the meeting for this item of business.] Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Social Care and Housing and the Director of Resources which outlined awards to be made to third sectorPembrokeshire organisations for the purpose of alleviating food poverty in line with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution. Councillor Tessa Hodgson, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Social Care and Safeguarding, introduced the report and stated that it outlined a request for delegated authority from Cabinet, in order to allow awards to be made to Third Sector Pembrokeshire Organisations, for the purpose of alleviating food poverty. She stated that this year, further funding of £37,000 had been secured from the Welsh Government's Direct Food Support Fund, with details of the support the fund could offer detailed on page 283 of the Agenda. Councillor Tessa Hodgson Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Sinnett. Cabinet Members were content with the report and had no questions. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [8] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That authority be delegated to the Director of Social Care and Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, to award funding from the Direct Food Support Fund 2022-23.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the adoption of the new Special Guardian Policy be approved.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Social Services and Housing which outlined the implementation of a new Special Guardianship Policy, which formed a key part of the Authority’s strategic approach to the reduction of the number of children in care in Pembrokeshire. Councillor Tessa Hodgson, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Social Care and Safeguarding, introduced the report and stated that the Special Guardianship Policy was a complex one. She highlighted that the report gave background and context regarding the key aspects of the Policy, as well as the financial considerations and comparisons. Councillor Hodgson stressed that, alongside potential small financial gains, the main aim of the Policy was to provide stability and continuity for children and young people in the Council’s care. Councillor Tessa Hodgson Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Neil Prior. The Head of Children's Services explained the details of the Policy and stated that the primary aim of the Policy was to reduce the number of children in the care of the Local Authority, by enhancing the offer to prospective special guardians. He highlighted that the Policy promised to have the single most significant impact on the number of children in the care of the Authority, when compared to any other element of the Council’s Keeping Families Together Strategy, with an estimated 40 to 50 children becoming subject to special guardianship orders instead of care orders. Councillor Alec Cormack supported the initiative and sought clarification as to what the experience of the Policy was for other Local Authorities, who were further along in the process. In response, the Head of Children’s Services stated that colleagues in Wrexham Council, who were a few years ahead, were willing to share their experience and documentation in order for Officers to adapt specifically for Pembrokeshire. He highlighted that within the first 18 months of the launch of Wrexham’s national Policy, they saw 59 special guardianship orders made, which was now around 80 orders in two years. Councillor Hodgson stated her support for the scheme and highlighted that it was important to place children in the care of family members or close friends wherever possible, and stated that the overarching aim of the outlined Policy was to achieve that for children and young people in the care system. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [8] Abstention: Councillor Paul Miller [1] There were no votes against. RESOLVED That the adoption of the new Special Guardian Policy be approved.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Statement of Licensing Policy under the Gambling Act 2005 – 2023, be approved.
Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Social Care and Housing which outlined the Statement of Licensing Policy under the Gambling Act 2005 for Pembrokeshire County Council. Councillor Michelle Bateman, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing Operations and Regulatory Services, introduced the report and stated that as the Licensing Authority, the Council was responsible for regulating certain gambling activities and was required to prepare and publish a statement of Licensing Policy. She stated that this Policy had been subject to a four week public consultation exercise and was reviewed by the Council’s Licensing Committee. Councillor Michelle Bateman Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Neil Prior. Councillor Rhys Sinnett sought clarification as to whether there was any localised evidence to suggest issues of gambling in Pembrokeshire. In response, the Senior Pollution Control Officer/Senior Environmental Health Officer stated that the Council did not collect such data that would indicate a specific problem. He then referred to the rising issue of online gambling within the industry, as well as the Self-Regulation Policy which was regularly monitored. Councillor Sinnett then wished to know whether there was a scheme that monitored excluded customers between each establishment. In response, Senior Pollution Control Officer/Senior Environmental Health Officer confirmed that this was the case and that premises communicated with each other to make them aware of excluded customers. Councillor Alec Cormack stated his support for the Policy and suggested a potential ban on casinos within the County. The Senior Pollution Control Officer/Senior Environmental Health Officer then referred to many Councils having a ‘no casino’ policy in place, and suggested that it would be something to consider in the future. Councillor Sinnett then sought clarification as to whether there was enough capacity within the Gambling Commission to enforce policies where issues had been identified. In response, the Senior Pollution Control Officer/Senior Environmental Health Officer stated that he did not feel that the Commission was currently in a strong position to deal with gambling related issues and suggested that it may be beneficial to work with the Public Health Board regarding this matter. Councillor Sinnett agreed that the matter should be looked into further. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors David Simpson, Paul Miller, Michelle Bateman, Alec Cormack, Jon Harvey, Tessa Hodgson, Neil Prior, Rhys Sinnett and Guy Woodham [9] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the Statement of Licensing Policy under the Gambling Act 2005 – 2023, be approved.
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