Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
RESOLVED That the submission from Amroth Community Council be noted and considered at the September meeting when the topic will be discussed.
RESOLVED That the report be noted and further information provided on costings for procuring Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles and Emission Vehicles (EV) to the Committee on a confidential basis.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the report be noted. (b) That the public submission be noted and the Chair provides a formal response on behalf of the Committee.
RESOLVED That the progress being made in the implementation of the priorities of the Council’s Housing Strategy be endorsed.
RESOLVED That the report be noted and a further report be received in six-months’ time in order to assess the validity of the original Notice of Motion.
RESOLVED That the Annual Report for 2024-25 be endorsed.
Councillor Di Clements nominated Councillor Mark Carter; Seconded by Councillor Tony Wilcox. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Mark Carter be elected as Vice-Chair for the ensuing Municipal Year.
There were apologies for absence received from Councillor Terry Davies.
There were no Councillors in attendance to speak to any items.
Councillor Viv Stoddart declared a personal interest in agenda item 10, Progress on implementation of the Pembrokeshire Housing Strategy 2024-2029, by virtue of holding discussions with Officers regarding the scheme.
Councillor Anji Tinley Moved the Minutes; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall. Councillor Viv Stoddart highlighted that her name had been omitted from those in attendance at the last meeting, and wished for it to be added. Councillor Di Clements added that she had given her apologies for the last meeting, but that Councillor Danny Young attended as substitute. The Head of Democratic Services clarified that apologies would not be required if a Member had been substituted. The vote was taken by way of a show of hands and carried. Councillor Di Clements abstained as she was not present. RESOLVED That the English and Welsh Minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2025 be approved as a correct record, subject to the addition of Councillor Viv Stoddart being in attendance.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the submission from Amroth Community Council be noted and considered at the September meeting when the topic will be discussed.
The Head of Democratic Services referred to the receipt of a letter contained in the supplementary Agenda from Susan Lewis regarding Withyhedge, and stated that it could be considered under Agenda item 9 - Update Report on Withyhedge Landfill Site. The Head of Democratic Services then highlighted the recent receipt of a letter from Amroth Community Council regarding dogs on beaches, which she read out as follows: One of Amroth Community Councillors listened to a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee recently when the subject of dog restrictions was discussed. I think it was the Services Committee but am not entirely sure. He understood this was part of a broader discussion and that further discussion would take place later in the year. Amroth is one of the few beaches with seasonal restrictions, which we welcome, however we are aware how difficult it is to inform visitors as to where the restrictions apply and this leads to dogs on the restricted section, often unbeknown to the owners. It is possible for example for dogs and their owners to walk round from Wisemans Bridge on to the restricted section without seeing a notice. Access at the New Inn end is also an issue due to pebbles and so we have been very grateful for a dispensation allowing less abled dog walkers to access the unrestricted area via the main slipway. We have concerns that this can lead to confusion also but know how vital this dispensation is to many. A neighbouring (private ) beach, Coppet Hall uses time restrictions which are much easier to inform and enforce - as does many beaches in Cornwall. Dogs are allowed before 10 am and after 6 pm for example. We know that changing Beach Bylaws is a long and costly process, requiring consultation etc and so write to ask if there are other regulations/ legislation which can be used to override the bylaws and introduce timed exclusion? Please can this option be added into the discussion agenda at the next meeting. It would be interesting to have the views on this subject from other community Councils where restrictions also apply. Councillor Harvey is willing to attend the next meeting and speak for Amroth if this is an option. The Head of Democratic Services suggested that the Committee consider the matter at the next meeting in September, when the Dogs on Beaches item was scheduled to come back to the Committee. Councillor Brian Hall Moved the suggestion from the Head of Democratic Services; Seconded by Councillor Di Clements. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the submission from Amroth Community Council be noted and considered at the September meeting when the topic will be discussed.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the report be noted and further information provided on costings for procuring Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles and Emission Vehicles (EV) to the Committee on a confidential basis.
The Head of Democratic Services introduced the report and outlined the completed actions in the Action Log, as well as the updates provided in relation to Haverfordwest Airport and the Fly-grazing Task and Finish Group. The Committee then raised the following points: • In relation to the response to Action 2, Councillor Di Clements referred to the costs for procuring Internal Combustion Engines and Electric Vehicles, and requested that those costs be shared with the Committee on a confidential basis, as mentioned by the Cabinet Member in his response. The Head of Democratic Services confirmed that this would be circulated to the Committee. Councillor Brian Hall Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Mark Carter. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the report be noted and further information provided on costings for procuring Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles and Emission Vehicles (EV) to the Committee on a confidential basis.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The Head of Democratic Services introduced the report and stated that the Forward Work Programme outlined the items due to come before the Committee for the next two meetings. She also highlighted that the Fly-grazing Task and Finish Group verbal report had been moved from this meeting to the meeting in September, as the Working Group needed more information, as agreed by the Chair. The Committee then raised the following points: • Councillor Tony Wilcox referred to alternative housing accommodation, specifically one-bedroom properties and whether that was due to come before the Committee at some point. The Head of Housing and Public Protection hoped the item regarding the Housing Strategy 2024-2029 on the current meeting Agenda would cover off that type of accommodation. Councillor Di Clements Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The meeting was paused at this juncture due to a technical difficulty.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED (a) That the report be noted. (b) That the public submission be noted and the Chair provides a formal response on behalf of the Committee.
The Head of Housing and Public Protection introduced the report and stated that it outlined the ongoing odour monitoring taking place at Spittal School, which was said to be part of monitoring that had been agreed to continue for a further 10 months. She added that the results of the monitoring showed that since January, there had been no exceedances of the World Health Organisation odour annoyance level. She stated that the Team had received very few complaints, with three referrals via the dedicated email address; however, none were related to any exceedances or issues of odour. In regards to communications received by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), she explained that they had received 26 complaints in May and six in June so far, none of which had been substantiated, and there were no patterns in regards to the complaints received. The Head of Housing and Public Protection also referred to the permit variation application that NRW was handling, which included revisions to final restoration levels, modified management, a monitoring programme and consolidation and modernisation of the permit, all of which was being consulted on. The Head of Housing and Public Protection then outlined the public submission that had been received from Susan Lewis, as attached in the Supplementary Agenda. She noted that the points that had been raised had been covered previously via reports to Scrutiny and Council, and in response to other public submissions. She added that some of the queries raised were not the responsibility of the Authority, but of NRW. She stated that a further response would be compiled by Officers in order to respond to the submission. The Committee then raised the following points: • Councillor Mark Carter referred to the collection of 50,000 tonnes of waste soil, and sought clarification as to whether that was contaminated material. In response, the Public Protection Manager explained that the waste soil was to enable capping and profile management. Councillor Carter suggested that there would be no cause for concern for the residents, to which the Public Protection Manager confirmed to be correct. • Councillor Tom Tudor wished to highlight that he had not been able to smell the odour over the last few months, but that he would report it immediately if that changed. • Councillor Di Clements sought clarification in regards to the proposed changes to the permit, and questioned whether they would strengthen the current permit. She also referred to the 50,000 tonnes of waste soil and asked whether that would be brought in by lorry load, and how long that would take. In response, the Public Protection Manager explained that the planning conditions would be a joint submission between the Pollution Control Team and the Planning Team, and that there would likely be limits in regards to lorry movements or volumes of material that could be brought in. He added that he could not provide more detail at this stage and could ask Planning to come back with that information. Councillor Clements asked for that aspect to be added to the Action Log. • Councillor Tony Wilcox hoped that the matter was close to being resolved and raised concern over the 50,000 tonnes of waste soil being brought in, but accepted that it needed to be done in order to ensure successful running of the site. The Chair agreed. • Councillor Steve Alderman referred to the member of public being unhappy with the way in which the Authority had scrutinised this issue, but wished to highlight that NRW was also involved in this matter. He highlighted that following consultation, NRW would communicate whether the permit variation would be granted or not, and asked whether that aspect could be scrutinised by the Committee, in order to be informed of how they have approached the variations and how they may continue moving forward. In response, the Head of Housing and Public Protection stated that she would feedback to NRW on that aspect, and added that they would publish the information on their web pages, but a specific comment could be asked for on the permit. In regards to NRW, she believed that scrutinising them was outside of the Committee’s remit. She referred to the good working relationship between the Authority and NRW and that she would feedback Councillor Alderman’s request to them for a written response. Councillor Alderman added that it was important for residents to understand the connection between what was being done by the Authority on the matter, and how the Authority was being advised by NRW. The Head of Housing and Public Protection acknowledged the comments made, and believed that it was for NRW and the company to take on board some of the community concerns. Councillor Anji Tinley then Moved the following Recommendations; Seconded by Councillor Di Clements: (a) That the report be noted. (b) That the public submission be noted and the Chair provides a formal response on behalf of the Committee. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the report be noted. (b) That the public submission be noted and the Chair provides a formal response on behalf of the Committee.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the progress being made in the implementation of the priorities of the Council’s Housing Strategy be endorsed.
[During consideration of this item, Councillor Mark Carter declared a personal interest by virtue of being a private landlord and an owner of a residential caravan park.] The Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Michelle Bateman, introduced the report and stated that the strategy was not limited to the Landlord function, and believed that it was important for Members to recognise that the Landlord service sits within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and that the strategy reflects the wider strategic housing functions, including the work of Teams across the Directorate. In regards to earlier comments from Councillor Tony Wilcox in respect of homelessness and housing support, Councillor Bateman stated that she would be happy to speak about that element, but wished to highlight that there was a report going to the upcoming Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan, which would cover the elements mentioned by Councillor Wilcox. Councillor Bateman added that the report also referenced various other strategies and policies that underpin the work of the Pembrokeshire Housing Strategy, and that the report highlights the different strands of work taking place and how many teams across the Housing and Public Protection Directorate were involved. She stated that the combination of various strategies would start to have an impact on the housing crisis and that the work of all strategies should be considered together. She also referred to taking into consideration the data in regards to demographics, and not building what was convenient or cheapest. She then outlined certain challenges, as listed in the report, as well as the grant money that was brought in by the Team. The Head of Housing and Public Protection wished to highlight the significant increase of service requests, whilst the staffing level of the Directorate had not increased by the same proportion. She stated that the types of service requests were outlined within the report, including numbers, as well as the significant increase and challenges involved in regards to the adaptation service due to a Welsh Government mandate, which was reflective of need within the community, as well as the ageing population. She also referred to the Eco-Flex scheme and the contributions that energy companies had to make towards it, and that the Authority signs off the households that were eligible to apply. The Committee then raised the following points: • Councillor Tony Wilcox referred to the 46 properties recently acquired and questioned how many of those properties currently had the same tenants. He also referred to alternative temporary accommodation, and suggested that the Authority could be more flexible in terms of enquiring about such properties for people. In regards to temporary accommodation, Councillor Bateman explained that other options were being looked into, such as B&B’s and modular accommodation, utilising the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme (TACP) grant, which was funding targeted at ‘Meanwhile’ sites and one-bed conversions. • The Chair then referred to the housing crisis and questioned whether caravan sites and chalets had been looked into as a way to manage the demand. • In response to Councillor Wilcox’s points, the Head of Housing and Public Protection explained that nine of the 46 acquisitions from the previous year had sitting tenants in them, and that there was a procedure in place that such properties would only be bought in exceptional circumstances due to vulnerabilities, and as part of the Authority’s homelessness prevention duties. In regards to the use of caravans and chalets, it was said that the Team had periodically looked into such accommodation over the years; however, such sites often had planning restrictions on them. She added that the TACP grant would not cover the purchase of such accommodation as it was not a permanent dwelling. She added that the TACP were also reluctant to provide assistance in regards to B&Bs, as according to their criteria, the Authority would be required to have bought the B&B and converted it into self contained units within 10 years. She agreed, however, that accommodation such as caravans offered a good temporary solution, but it was not necessarily agreed by Welsh Government in regards to funding, and it would therefore need to be fully funded from the Authority’s Capital Programme. Councillor Wilcox suggested that the criteria should be relaxed in order to address the crisis. Councillor Bateman wished to add that a task force had been set up within Welsh Government to review the constraints being faced by Local Authorities, and that there were some recommendations coming out of that group. She also hoped that prevention work being done would start to have an impact in the long term, and went on to outline the details of such work, which would be reported on at the upcoming Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Bateman also added that the ‘Meanwhile’ accommodation being looked at would have a much longer lifespan and could be utilised as semi-permanent accommodation, which would then satisfy the terms of the grant. • Councillor Mark Carter referred to residential caravan sites and the costs involved, and suggested that they would be a good option for temporary or emergency accommodation. He suggested that the Authority could use a site to create such accommodation, and that this option needed to be looked at in depth by Officers. In response, Councillor Bateman stated that the location needed to be considered when looking into temporary accommodation, in regards to people's needs and abilities, in order to ensure the level of support that may be required. She added that such accommodation sites would not, however, be ruled out. Councillor Carter acknowledged Councillor Bateman’s comments, but highlighted that people should have a choice in regards to location. • Councillor Rhys Jordan wished to commend the work that had been done in regards to acquiring properties, as well as the Home Buy Scheme. He believed that something needed to be done within the Authority in order to address the housing crisis, rather than waiting for Welsh Government. He also agreed that lodge sites for a certain demographic could be created in order to make thriving communities for vulnerable people. He did not believe that buying B&B’s as a temporary measure would work due to current Welsh Government policy. Councillor Jordan then urged the Cabinet Member for Housing, and all Cabinet Members, to do some pioneering work to address the crisis. • Councillor Wilcox then suggested the use of a site in his ward in order to trial a pilot site for caravans. In response, the Head of Housing and Public Protection stated that she would be happy to discuss the offer. • In response to Councillor Jordan’s comments, the Head of Housing and Public Protection highlighted the good working relationship with Welsh Government colleagues, and believed that Welsh Government would argue that the amount of funding being put into housing had never been as high as it currently was. She added that the Team was mindful from a planning perspective in regards to land offers, as Planning Officers would need to be involved to ensure that sites were suitable. • Councillor Di Clements wished to highlight that the number of people in temporary accommodation had reduced substantially, and gave thanks to the Team for their work in that regard. She also highlighted the long length of stays in temporary accommodation, but was sure that Officers were working on such matters. Councillor Clements then referred to staff reductions and capacity within the service, and questioned how such reductions would affect the ability to provide projects moving forward. She also sought an explanation as to what ‘Housing First’ was. In response, Councillor Bateman explained that the long stays in temporary accommodation were predominantly due to the lack of one-bed accommodation available, which is why the Team were focusing on buybacks on one-bed properties. In regards to budgets, she explained that it would continue to be a challenge, as the Public Protection budget was extremely small, and that any cuts would have a significant impact on the service, including the recruitment and retention of staff. Councillor Bateman then went on to explain Housing First, and stated that it was a model that puts an individual into housing, with support being carried out following that. • The Head of Public Protection added that the demand on complex needs accommodation was significantly oversubscribed, as outlined in the report. She also highlighted that the Housing Support grants received for Pembrokeshire were significantly lower compared with other Local Authorities, as it was based an a very historical funding formula, which Welsh Government had been asked to review. She then outlined the gaps in services, as mentioned by Councillor Bateman, specifically in regards to the homelessness provision. The Head of Public Protection then referred to the success of a pilot initiative called BEAM, as outlined in the report, which was designed to support employment routes for homeless cases tied with securing accommodation. She also highlighted concerns in regards to savings and efficiencies, specifically recruitment, but outlined the creation of assistant and trainee roles to ensure succession planning, and referred to the apprentices that would be taken on later in the year. • Councillor Clements also stated that she was pleased to see in the report the use of existing properties in areas such as Haverfordwest and Milford Haven, but referenced the conversion cost of a one-bed flat being £270,000, and questioned whether that was a standard price for such work, as she believed it was very expensive. In response, Councillor Bateman stated that the conversions outlined in the report related to buildings being re-tailored for a specific purpose. She explained that some recently commissioned flats had been older persons’ accommodation, where spaces such as communal areas and lifts were being added, resulting in the higher price per unit. She then reiterated the importance of building for the current demand, which was one-bed properties, hence the need for flats. The Head of Public Protection added that construction costs were incredibly high, as well as the specification that was applied in order to ensure compliancy with the Welsh Housing Quality Standards. • Councillor Clements sought clarification in regards to the specifications that were being built to, and whether the Authority was going above and beyond in that area. The Head of Public Protection explained that the Authority was complying to the Welsh Housing Quality Standards specifications, as the Team was mindful of the costs involved, and that meetings with consultants and architects were held regularly to value engineer costs as low as possible. • The Chair asked whether construction costs went through the same framework programme as other significant costs. The Head of Housing and Public Protection confirmed that to be the case, and stated that the value of contracts often went through the Individual Cabinet Member decision process, or to a Cabinet meeting, depending on the value. She added that Constitutional requirements were closely followed in regards to this aspect. • The Chair agreed with Councillor Wilcox’s earlier comments, and acknowledged that the level of homelessness had decreased over the last year. She also stated that she agreed with Councillor Jordan in regards to being more forward-thinking and transformative as an Authority, but understood the level of complexities involved in housing matters. Councillor Di Clements Moved the Recommendation; Seconded by Councillor Tony Wilcox. • Councillor Viv Stoddart asked for some detail on the Manchester Club in Milford Haven and what was planned for the space. In response, Councillor Bateman stated that it would be a conversion to one bed flats, which was currently subject to planning permission. • Councillor Bateman referred to the Chair’s comments and stated that the complexities involved with housing matters was a real source of frustration, with a lot of aspects being out of the control of the Authority, such as the various regulations and legislations involved. She also agreed that the Authority could take more risks and referred to the Home Buy Pembrokeshire scheme. She added that if there was an opportunity for the Authority to be innovative or inventive, then she would be happy to consider that. • The Chair sought clarification in regards to the Home Buy Pembrokeshire scheme, and asked if the money involved would go towards purchasing a property or to help with a deposit. Councillor Bateman explained that a 5% deposit was required to ensure a level of commitment from the individuals involved, then the additional money could be put towards making the deposit bigger so the mortgage requirement would be significantly lower. The Head of Housing and Public Protection added that it was essentially a top-up loan, therefore it could assist towards a deposit but it did not necessarily replace the deposit. She then outlined the level of enquiries as well as the estate agents that were interested in promoting it as an initiative. • Councillor Rhys Jordan referred to a recent Members’ Seminar on the Home Buy Pembrokeshire scheme, and encouraged Members that were unable to attend to watch the recording. He stated that it was a popular scheme and would continue to be so, as it would benefit many people with buying a home, especially with the high house prices in Pembrokeshire, alongside relatively low earnings. He then congratulated the Officers on the scheme and encouraged Members to learn as much as they could about it. • The Head of Housing and Public Protection wished to clarify that the scheme did not cover the deposit, and that there must be between 5% to 15% deposit in order to qualify. The Chair stated that that was a shame as people were struggling to meet the 10% deposit, with the high house prices. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the progress being made in the implementation of the priorities of the Council’s Housing Strategy be endorsed.
The meeting was paused at this juncture for a short break.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the report be noted and a further report be received in six-months’ time in order to assess the validity of the original Notice of Motion.
The Chair introduced the report and invited the Business Change Manager to provide the detail. The Business Change Manager explained that the data outlined in the report had been collated from across the Authority, and highlighted that there was increased vandalism of 20 mph signs, as well as fly posting on highway signs. She then referred to the findings since 2021-2022 where there had been 27 incidents in that year, and that in 2024-2025 that had increased to 125 incidents in regards to vandalism and graffiti, mainly due to increased reporting efforts. She also added that there had been two incidents relating to public facing assets, one at County Hall and one relating to a library, and that as reported last time, the Housing Revenue Account stock remains difficult to quantify. The Committee then raised the following points: • Councillor Mark Carter asked whether any information could be provided in regards to the people involved with the instances of vandalism and whether it had been taken further. In response, the Business Change Manager stated that there was no information from Dyfed Powys Police, but confirmed that someone had been charged in relation to the County Hall vandalism. She stated that it would go through the Courts and that the Authority had been given a witness impact statement in order to outline the impact of the incident. • Councillor Carter then highlighted that the Authority’s insurance would be claimed on, which would result in an increased premium. The Business Manager confirmed that to be the case, and added that many incidents go undetected due to the lack of evidence, but where there was evidence, the matter would be taken through the Courts. • Councillor Di Clements acknowledged that the increase of vandalism outlined within the report was likely due to the increased reporting of such matters. In regards to costs, she questioned whether the act of vandalism could be cross referenced with the time and effort taken to fix something, in order to signify the total cost. The Business Change Manager explained that Finance had been asked to assist with this matter, but as it was spread across a range of services, it was difficult to do due to the individual budgets. She referred to a previous report where such costs were outlined in regards to replacing a sign or bus shelter, for example, and added that the potential costs for the damage to the door at County Hall were also known. She stated that in regards to incidents, a code was being worked on with Finance in order to retrieve the data without needing to go to each individual service. • Councillor Viv Stoddart stated that the point of the original Notice of Motion regarding vandalism, was to get an overall picture of the extent of the issue and the cost to the taxpayers. She referred to petty crimes and the significant effect they had on a community, and appreciated the difficulties in regards to collating data, but stated that the Authority was not achieving what she had originally hoped. Councillor Stoddart also referred to the Northgate system and that data collection would be easier with that system in place, but believed that that was no longer the case. In response, the Business Change Manager explained that the Team would continue to work towards collating the information required. • Councillor Clements questioned whether the information could even be collated from across the Authority or whether it was too difficult a task for the Data Team, and if so, was it worth the report coming before the Committee again. She commented that it was important for taxpayers to understand the costs involved, but questioned whether this matter would ever materialise if it was too complicated. The Business Change Manager reiterated how difficult it was to collect data from across the Authority and pull out certain costs. The Head of Housing and Public Protection agreed with the comments made by the Business Change Manager, and explained the difficulty in retrieving the information required. She also questioned how the information would be used, as with acts of vandalism it was difficult to retrieve evidence of a perpetrator, and that the main challenge was to prevent such acts from reoccurring. • Councillor Brian Hall referred to the vandalism of the front door at County Hall and sought clarification as to when it would be replaced. The Business Change Manager anticipated that the new door would be replaced in the next four weeks. She added that the impact statements for the police had also been completed. • Councillor Rhys Jordan sought clarification as to the average cost of a prosecution, and what that would look like for the taxpayers. The Business Change Manager stated that the Authority had not prosecuted in the past on such issues and that it was usually a matter for the Police. Councillor Jordan wished to highlight that taxpayers also pay a Police precept for such matters, and found it worrying that there had never been an outcome on the significant number of vandalism cases over the years. • The Chair referred to the difficulty in catching people in the act, and highlighted her frustration in not knowing the costs involved, but acknowledged that Officers would work with Finance to work out a structure to collate such costs. She stated that she liked the way in which the data was presented in the report, but suggested that the graph be amended to list each act of vandalism specifically. She asked that the costs of vandalism be brought before the Committee in the next report. • Councillor John Cole referred to the door at County Hall and questioned whether the damages could be claimed from perpetrators that were caught. The Business Change Manager explained that a full breakdown of the cost was provided in the impact assessment that had been sent on to the Courts, and that it would be for them to determine damages that could be claimed. Councillor Cole wished to point out that the person’s financial status would be taken into account, and if unemployed, the Authority would be looking at a negligible amount coming back. • Councillor Steve Alderman referred to unused buildings in his ward and the vandalism of those buildings, as well as the overall dilapidation and unseen costs that would not be recovered. • Councillor Stoddart acknowledged the technical problems in regards to collating the data involved, and agreed with the comments made by Councillor Clements. She then suggested that the collection of data continue for another six months, and if nothing valuable was achieved, then it would be pragmatic to consider whether it was worthwhile pursuing further. Councillor Viv Stoddart Moved the following Motion: That the report be noted and a further report be received in six-months’ time in order to assess the validity of the original Notice of Motion. • The Chair asked the Business Change Manager that financial information also be included in the next report. The Business Change Manager agreed. • Councillor Clements referred to the current financial situation of the Authority and that this matter was about priority and the time and effort spent by Officers. She questioned whether it was worth collating the financial information for the next report. She also agreed with the Head of Housing and Public Protection that it was more about preventing such acts, and that having the costs would not necessarily assist in that area, therefore she did not support the suggestion from the Chair of having the financial information included in the follow up report. • The Chair stated that she suggested the inclusion of the financial information as the Business Change Manager had highlighted that the work had started with Finance on the matter. Councillor Clements appreciated this but was under the impression that the information was potentially impossible to collate, and suggested that a line be drawn under the matter. • The Chair asked the Business Change Manager to clarify whether it would be a significant task to retrieve the financial information, to which she explained that it was quite prohibitive in terms of all the individual budget lines that would need to be reviewed, and suggested that it was a question of priorities, but that she would be guided by the Committee. The Chair understood this and wished to retract her request regarding The Head of Housing and Public Protection wished to add that Members could report any issues of vandalism via the Contact Centre or to Officers, in order for the service to identify areas of concern and patterns of vandalism taking place, so that proactive work to monitor the situation could be undertaken with the Police. • Councillor Clements questioned whether it was simple for any member of the public to go online and report such issues. The Head of Housing and Public Protection suggested that such issues be reported via the Contact Centre. The Business Change Manager also encouraged people to use the following email to report any issues, which would then be passed on to the relevant service area: ContactCentre@pembrokeshire.gov.uk. The Motion was then Seconded by Councillor Mark Carter. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, Mark Carter, Di Clements, John Cole, Brian Hall, Rhys Jordan, Viv Stoddart, Anji Tinley, Thomas Tudor and Tony Wilcox [10] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED That the report be noted and a further report be received in six-months’ time in order to assess the validity of the original Notice of Motion.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Annual Report for 2024-25 be endorsed.
The Head of Democratic Services introduced the report and stated that it outlined details of scrutiny activities from April 2024 to April 2025. She explained that the relevant section for the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee captured the areas of work scrutinised at each meeting, commentary on good practice and positive outcomes achieved, future challenges for the Committee, as well as commentary from the previous Chair. She also referred to the site visits that had taken place, items that were called in for further scrutiny, public petitions and the Task and Finish Groups that had been established. She also referenced targeted communications that had been proactively implemented to raise public awareness of upcoming scrutiny topics, as well as the increased number of viewers of the meeting webcasts. The Committee then raised the following points: • Councillor Di Clements referred to the increased webcast views and believed that it was important that as many people get the opportunity to see what the Committee discusses. She also stated that she was grateful to the previous Chair for the site visits that had been organised, as it had played an important role in how the Committee looks at certain topics. Councillor Clements also stated that she was pleased with the attendance levels of the Committee. Councillor Di Clements then Moved the Recommendation. • Councillor Mark Carter echoed Councillor Clements’ comments and also referred to the benefits of site visits for the Committee. • The Chair agreed with Councillor Carter and referred to her experience of a recent site visit and how it assisted her in understanding the matter at hand, as well as passing on the information to her constituents. The Recommendation was Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Annual Report for 2024-25 be endorsed.
The Head of Democratic Services introduced the report and stated that it was a summary of the site visit to the Eco Park that was undertaken on 16 May, and that it was for informational purposes only. The Committee then raised the following points: • The Chair stated that the site visit improved her understanding of what happened to refuse from all over the County and how the system worked. She added that she was able to pass on the information to her constituents and that the visit was overall very informative. • Councillor Di Clements stated that she was disappointed she could not attend, but highlighted that she had read some information on the site and had learnt a huge amount, and thanked those that did attend as she had learnt a lot from those Members as well. • Councillor Mark Carter believed that such visits provided important information that could be passed on to members of the public, to inform them of their local services. He also highlighted that it would be beneficial if the site were to offer public site visits. • Councillor Rhys Jordan stated that it was a very useful visit and wished to give credit to the Officers in Environmental Services, as it was a significantly demanding job. He added that it was an impressive site and visit, and that he had become more mindful when it came recycling, and that if recycling improved by a few percent, it would make a significant difference in terms of the outcome for the County. The Committee’s decision was to note the report. The Chair then thanked the Committee for their work and for being patient with her during her first meeting as Chair. Councillor Clements then congratulated the Chair on her new position and that she was the first female scrutiny Chair since she had joined the Authority, and that it was important that all Members were included regardless of gender.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.