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 1. That the amounts contained in paragraph 3.1 above be accepted by the Council for the year 2025-26 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 2. That the Council in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992, hereby sets the amounts contained in paragraph 3.3 as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2025-26 for each of the categories of dwellings shown.
RESOLVED to approve the virement set out in section 2.3 of the report.
RESOLVED to reappoint Mrs Claire Moore as an Independent [Lay] Member of the Standards Committee for a term of four years, from 14 May 2025, expiring on 13 May 2029.
RESOLVED to appoint County Councillor Alwyn Evans to the Cambrian Coast Railway Committee.
RESOLVED that 1. This Council endorses the report “The Road Safety Crisis in Powys”. 2. This Council recognises motorcyclists use Powys roads and looks to work with them to ensure our roads are safe for all. 3. Resolves to work with our partners in the Welsh Trunk Roads Agency, Dyfed Powys Police and others to highlight the dangers of driving on rural roads and promote safer driving. 4. Calls on the Welsh Government to support and fund a trial of the PRIMES motorcycle safety initiative in Powys. 5. Calls on Dyfed Powys Police to prioritise rural road safety through both education and enforcement.
RESOLVED that this Council supports and encourages, in principle, the work of the Protect Bronglais Services group in its efforts to prevent any further reduction of services at Bronglais Hospital by Hywel Dda University Health Board.
RESOLVED to approve the attached Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 to ensure compliance with section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011 and to respond to the legal requirements under the Standing Orders (Wales) Amendment Regulations 2014, the Local Government (Wales) Act 2015 and related advice from Welsh Government.
The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 5th December 2025 as a correct record.
County Councillor Sian Cox declared an interest in item 12 Notice of Motion – Services at Bronglais Hospital as she worked with Hywel Dda Health Board.
The Chair outlined some of his engagements including co-hosting the staff awards on 10th December. He acknowledged the success of Lol Crawley, a past pupil of Ysgol Llanfyllin, in winning the Oscar for best cinematography.
The Leader encouraged colleagues to promote the Regional Transport Plan survey which had been launched by the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee. He noted that it was Endometriosis Action Month and that he was proud that the Council was an Endometriosis friendly employer. He noted that the Council was setting up a Parenting Forum. He encouraged residents with parental responsibility from across the county to get involved and become Parent Community Representatives.
Will the council ensure that none of its pension fund investments are at risk of benefitting companies that may be linked to potential war crimes, given the mounting legal evidence of acts of genocide that are being committed against the civilian population of Gaza? It is important that the Council protects its present and future pensioners from any risk that their funds have knowingly been invested in such activity. Response The Powys Pensions and Investment Committee take their 'Responsible Investment' role very seriously. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of stewardship and are currently reviewing our investment beliefs and strategies that inform our Responsible Investment Policy. Generally, Powys Pension Fund must invest to achieve the primary purpose of achieving the required financial returns to pay pensions when they become due. LGPS funds must invest the contributions they collect from employers and employees in the best interests of scheme members and employers. Our statutory responsibility to invest in the best financial interests of pension scheme members is referred to as the Committee's 'fiduciary duty'. Our investment strategy includes a policy on how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations are taken into account in our stewardship and selection of investments. In recent years, the pensions industry's ESG policies have generally prioritised decarbonisation goals, but the Middle Eastern conflict is now another significant concern for LGPS funds. Focus on the Social element of ESG is increasing, with Social performance of companies impacting on human rights issues of people and communities in which it engages. Such considerations are factored into investment decisions. Powys Pension Fund invests through the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP) in several mandates (long term investment contracts) with dozens of asset manager firms. Collectively our stewardship role includes influencing through engagement with relevant companies, via our asset managers and Robeco, who operate as WPP's voting and engagement partner for all pooled investments. All partner funds in WPP are consulted and involved in briefing Robeco to influence companies in which we invest. While we don't invest in Israel as a nation, several companies may be operating there, and Robeco will be engaging with them on behalf of the WPP and the Powys Pension Fund. The Fund also works collaboratively with like-minded institutional shareholders in order to maximise the influence that it can have on individual companies. This is achieved in a variety of ways, including through the membership of the LAPFF (Local Authority Pension Fund Forum). LAPFF have been carrying out engagement on behalf of the member funds, liaising with Palestinian and Jewish interest groups in respect of companies operating in the occupied region where member funds have some investment. We are supportive of the LAPFF position on the occupied territories, which seeks to encourage companies operating in that jurisdiction to review and have regard for the human rights of all individuals with whom they interact in the conduct of their operations. I hope this provides some reassurance for you that Powys PF are not 'absentee shareholders'. We do influence through engagement with a view to securing more peaceful and productive outcomes. Concern about the Middle Eastern conflict has been raised within WPP and is discussed at Powys Pensions and Investment Committee, where we planned a special meeting to discuss 'Responsible Investment' in a follow-up meeting in January 2025. Mr Brown’s supplementary questions was, in order to protect Powys pensioners from inadvertently profiting from companies potentially complicit in any war crimes, will the committee avoid those companies that appear on the latest UN list, as its default position for now? The Chair of the Pensions and Investment Committee confirmed that the Pension Fund had no direct holdings in Israel and he invited Mr Brown to write to him with any further questions.
The updated Home to School Transport Policy now states: “Where parents/guardians exercise a preference for a school other than their catchment school, the child/ren will not be entitled to free home to school transport.” However, the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 specifies: “The distances mentioned in column 2 (the appropriateness of the school) of the table in this section are to be measured by the shortest available route.” Notably, there is no reference to catchment areas as a condition for this requirement. Given this, I would like to ask: Can the portfolio holder confirm that if a pupil resides closer to a school which is outside their designated catchment area, transport will still be provided in accordance with the Learner Travel Measure and if not can the portfolio holder explain how this policy meets the requirements of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure? Response Thank you for your question regarding the updated Home to School Transport Policy. The Council, for admissions purposes has now agreed catchment areas for all schools. The Council is now applying the transport policy to school catchment areas to help parents make informed choices on transport provision when choosing a school. In accordance with the Welsh Governments Learner Travel Statutory Provision and Operational Guidance (June 2014) it states in paragraph 1.9 that a local authority must assess the travel needs of learners in their authority and provide free home to school transport for learners who reside more that 2 miles (primary) and 3 miles (secondary) or further to their nearest suitable school. In section 1.39 of the same Guidance document, it states that deciding which suitable school is the learners nearest is a matter for the local authority to determine in accordance with their own learner travel and education policy. On that basis, Powys has determined that a learners nearest suitable school is their catchment area school. Due to the large and rural nature of the County and the many topographical features that exist in our county, this can mean in very few instances, that another school will be slightly closer than the learners catchment school but the catchment school is the only school that the council will provide transport to. The Home to School Transport Policy also makes provision for parents/carers appeal decisions made by council officers if they believe the policy has not been applied consistently or there is a specific transport reason why a learner cannot attend the catchment school and should attend another school. Mr Ellis’ supplementary question was “If the Council believes it can disregard the shortest available route requirement when determining the nearest suitable school can you please explain why the Measure explicitly includes it as a requirement and has the Council sought external legal advice to confirm this interpretation and if not will it commit to seeking it and publishing it?” As the Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys was attending another meeting. a separate meeting was organised with the Cabinet Member and the Chief Officer Place with Mr Ellis to discuss his supplementary question. At the meeting it was clarified that while there is a right to secure a place at any school, this does not necessarily guarantee school transport. The provision of school transport is subject to criteria within the transport policy, particularly around school catchments. If an application for school transport is refused, there is a right to appeal the decision. An appropriate hearing will be held where all the evidence presented will be carefully considered to ensure a fair and informed decision is made.
In 2024, I undertook a survey of all Local Authorities in Wales to find out about their pitch provision. Every council other than Flintshire responded appropriately. In particular, I was interested in 3G pitch provision, which is the high-quality artificial football pitch which supports playing in all conditions and which meets football requirements. The results are provided in the table below. 0 full size 3G football pitches in Powys. 61 elsewhere in Wales. Just 2 smaller 3G football pitches for Powys, but not in Llanfair Caereinion, as the Council proudly announced in February 2022.?? Even these two 3G pitches have very limited opening hours at weekends, which makes booking them extremely difficult. Why has this council failed grassroots footballers, in particular the thousands of girls and boys who have their training sessions and matches cancelled every week with very few alternatives, in Powys, and what does it plan to do about the situation going forward? Local Authority Population Size Full Size 3G Smaller 3G Total 3G Cardiff 362,300 9 6 15 Caerphilly 175,900 8 4 12 Vale of Glamorgan 131,900 8 6 14 Neath/Port Talbot 143,300 5 1 6 Swansea 241,300 4 6 10 Wrexham 135,100 4 3 7 Gwynedd 117,400 4 7 11 Denbighshire 95,800 4 3 7 Bridgend 146,136 3 7 10 Blaenau Gwent 66,993 3 1 4 Newport 159,600 2 10 12 Pembrokeshire 125,055 2 2 4 Conwy 117,181 2 4 6 Ynys Mon 68,944 1 4 5 Merthyr 58,839 1 0 1 Ceredigion 71,500 1 1 2 Torfaen 92,300 0 3 3 Powys 133,200 0 2 2 Response - The FAW (Football Association Wales) have undertaken a mapping exercise of all pitches in Powys, and in all authorities in Wales, in May 2024 to create a suggested ‘blueprint’ for the future. - Powys have worked closely for many years with the ‘Collaboration Group’ that is made up of Sport Wales, FAW, Welsh Hockey and Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to discuss how and where the various types of pitches could be located throughout Powys and Wales (which are explained below) to maximise usage. Types of pitch surfaces 2G (second generation) – commonly known as ‘astro/tiger turf’ suited to hockey (training/competition), netball, tennis, racquetball, multi-sports, disability access sports, cricket and school curriculum sports. Usually tufted, sand-filled short-piled carpets and more recently sand dressed carpets. Pile length usually between 12mm – 20mm 3G (third generation) – suited to football, rugby training (not contact), tag rugby, some hockey training (lower/curriculum level), some multi-sports, some school curriculum sports but not all. The height of carpet pile is usually 40mm laid on a shock pad and is a plastic artificial grass (which is being currently being investigated for safety and environmental impacts) Long-pile 3G/4G – suited to contact rugby. The height of carpet pile is usually 60mm laid on a shock pad (of appropriate depth) in line with World Rugby regulation 22 relating to the performance standard of the pitch and measures criteria such as head impact, skin friction, joint strength and energy restitution Powys - The illustration above demonstrates the number of artificial pitches throughout Powys - There is one full size 3G pitch located at Newtown Football Club (Newtown) and three (3) ‘three-quarter’ 3G pitches - one in Llanidloes next to the High School/Sports Centre, one in Llanfyllin next to the High School/Sports Centre and one in Crickhowell next to the High School - The pitch at Newtown Football Club is not owned or managed by Powys County Council - The illustration also shows the number and range of artificial pitches in Powys - An outdoor artificial pitch is also proposed at the new High School build in Machynlleth - The reason that the majority of outdoor pitches owned or managed by Powys County Council are ‘2G - astro/tiger turf’ is historical - dating from 2004/2005 when NOF (New opportunities funding) was provided to install five pitches throughout the county (Welshpool, Newtown, Llandrindod, Brecon & Ystradgynlais), predominantly for education usage - These pitches were required to be a suitable surface to enable a range of sports (not one specifically) to be delivered as part of the curriculum and for leisure and recreation usage - Due to the geographical and rural nature (including travel times) of Powys and demographics, it is essential that a single pitch surface serves the widest range of sports possible (to enable a wide range of sports to be played and participants to access) - These pitches have been supported by the leisure service in Powys since their installation and in 2015 were transferred into the leisure contract, managed by Freedom Leisure. Capital expenditure is the responsibility of Powys County Council as part of the contract - A new (three quarter size) pitch including feasibility studies, groundworks, drainage, a full tender and installation of a new carpet (possibly shock pad), fencing and floodlights will typically cost around £1.2m (and could be higher depending on the starting surface) - There are ongoing maintenance costs associated with operating an outdoor sports pitch (sweeping, cleaning, repair) of approximately £25k per annum - Powys County Council’s Sports Development team work diligently throughout Powys with clubs, schools and national governing bodies to co-ordinate, facilitate and provide a range and variety of opportunities for young people, for the whole age spectrum from grass-roots sport, through talent pathways to elite levels - We monitor and where possible improve opportunities, through collaborative working and regular monitoring/review of activities and in response to the ‘school sport survey’ (undertaken every three years Sport Wales initiative) - Powys County Council consistently explore funding opportunities to support redevelopment and replacement of pitches where possible - It is also possible for sports clubs and organisations to identify and bid for funding (either independently or in collaboration with others / the Council) to develop and install outdoor sports pitches – this demonstrates ‘community ownership and responsibility’ - Welsh Government & Sport Wales are currently undertaking a further ‘facilities mapping’ exercise throughout Wales, which Powys have contributed to – its objective being to identify future funding needs - If football training is cancelled, it is possible for football clubs to book and train (sometimes at short notice) on any of the pitches throughout Powys, including the shorter 2G (astro/tiger turf) pile surfaces – which they already / regularly do. Opening hours of the two 3G pitches operated by Freedom Leisure for public / community groups / private hire is as follows: Llanfyllin School term: Holidays: Mon to Fri - 5pm till 9.30pm Mon to Fri - 2pm till 9.30pm Sun - 10am - 3pm Sun - 10am - 3pm The centre is closed on a Saturday but if prior notice is given to Freedom Leisure a booking can be made on a Saturday e.g. a local area football festival is hosted twice a year. Most local teams play on a Saturday so there is no known demand for training (plus the pitch falls short of FAW dimension guidelines for adult games). Most of the junior leagues are Sunday fixtures, which Freedom Leisure host every Sunday during the winter season. Llanidloes School term time: Holidays: Monday to Friday 1600-2115 0900-2115 Monday to Friday Weekends as below Sat-0900-1300 Sunday-0900-1300 Weekends – the centre accepts bookings out of hours, with prior notice, which does happen quite often. In response to Mr Hopkins’ supplementary question as to why the Council had not built a 3G pitch in Llanfair Caereinion, the Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys said that the Council had to work with the FAW and clubs and meet their criteria. The Council was keen to work with them and secure funding to deliver a pitch in Llanfair Caereinion.
When are you going to resurface the road to Llletty Gwilym Uchaf, so I can go shopping and attend hospital appointments without being anxious and wrecking my car driving through terrible potholes? Response There are no immediate plans to resurface the U2371 Lletty Gwilym Uchaf road this year, but it will be considered in 2026/27 financial year. We will continue to inspect in accordance with our Highways Asset Management Plan. All queries relating to the condition of the highway should be directed to Report - Powys County Council There was no supplementary question.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED 1. That the amounts contained in paragraph 3.1 above be accepted by the Council for the year 2025-26 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 2. That the Council in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992, hereby sets the amounts contained in paragraph 3.3 as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2025-26 for each of the categories of dwellings shown.
Council considered the Council Tax Resolution for 2025/26. It was moved by County Councillor David Thomas and seconded by County Councillor Jake Berriman and by 29 votes to 11 with 19 abstentions, it was RESOLVED 1. That the amounts contained in paragraph 3.1 above be accepted by the Council for the year 2025-26 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 2. That the Council in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992, hereby sets the amounts contained in paragraph 3.3 as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2025-26 for each of the categories of dwellings shown.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to approve the virement set out in section 2.3 of the report.
Council considered a revenue virement for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). A £1.4 million contribution from the HRA reserve to fund an external contractor to undertake a condition survey of the HRA was no longer required in 2024-25 as the service would undertake the work in-house over a 4-year period. It was moved by County Councillor David Thomas and seconded by County Councillor Gareth E Jones and by 57 votes to 2 with 1 abstention it was RESOLVED to approve the virement set out in section 2.3 of the report.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to reappoint Mrs Claire Moore as an Independent [Lay] Member of the Standards Committee for a term of four years, from 14 May 2025, expiring on 13 May 2029.
Council was asked to reappoint Mrs Claire Moore as an independent member of the Standards Committee for a further four year term of office from 14 May 2025 to 13 May 2029. It was moved by County Councillor William Powell and seconded by County Councillor Beverley Baynham and by 58 votes to 0 it was RESOLVED to reappoint Mrs Claire Moore as an Independent [Lay] Member of the Standards Committee for a term of four years, from 14 May 2025, expiring on 13 May 2029.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to appoint County Councillor Alwyn Evans to the Cambrian Coast Railway Committee.
Following a ballot it was RESOLVED to appoint County Councillor Alwyn Evans to the Cambrian Coast Railway Committee.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that 1. This Council endorses the report “The Road Safety Crisis in Powys”. 2. This Council recognises motorcyclists use Powys roads and looks to work with them to ensure our roads are safe for all. 3. Resolves to work with our partners in the Welsh Trunk Roads Agency, Dyfed Powys Police and others to highlight the dangers of driving on rural roads and promote safer driving. 4. Calls on the Welsh Government to support and fund a trial of the PRIMES motorcycle safety initiative in Powys. 5. Calls on Dyfed Powys Police to prioritise rural road safety through both education and enforcement.
Council debated the following motion proposed by County Councillor Richard Church and seconded by County Councillor Jackie Charlton: 1. This Council endorses the report “The Road Safety Crisis in Powys”. 2. This Council recognises motorcyclists use Powys roads and looks to work with them to ensure our roads are safe for all. 3. Resolves to work with our partners in the Welsh Trunk Roads Agency, Dyfed Powys Police and others to highlight the dangers of driving on rural roads and promote safer driving. 4. Calls on the Welsh Government to support and fund a trial of the PRIMES motorcycle safety initiative in Powys. 5. Calls on Powys Police to prioritise rural road safety through both education and enforcement. The report “The Road Safety Crisis in Powys” had highlighted the number of serious accidents on Powys roads, mostly on trunk roads and many involving motorcyclists. The report had been submitted to Welsh Government in March 2024, but the recommendations had yet to be adopted. By 61 votes to 0 it was RESOLVED that 1. This Council endorses the report “The Road Safety Crisis in Powys”. 2. This Council recognises motorcyclists use Powys roads and looks to work with them to ensure our roads are safe for all. 3. Resolves to work with our partners in the Welsh Trunk Roads Agency, Dyfed Powys Police and others to highlight the dangers of driving on rural roads and promote safer driving. 4. Calls on the Welsh Government to support and fund a trial of the PRIMES motorcycle safety initiative in Powys. 5. Calls on Dyfed Powys Police to prioritise rural road safety through both education and enforcement.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED that this Council supports and encourages, in principle, the work of the Protect Bronglais Services group in its efforts to prevent any further reduction of services at Bronglais Hospital by Hywel Dda University Health Board.
County Councillor Sian Cox declared an interest as she worked with Hywel Dda Health Board. Council debated the following motion proposed by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan and seconded by County Councillor Gary Mitchell: This Council supports and encourages, in principle, the work of the Protect Bronglais Services group in its efforts to prevent any further reduction of services at Bronglais Hospital by Hywel Dda University Health Board. Concern was expressed that the downgrading of services would result in patients having to be transferred to other hospitals miles from their homes. By 56 votes to 0 it was RESOLVED that this Council supports and encourages, in principle, the work of the Protect Bronglais Services group in its efforts to prevent any further reduction of services at Bronglais Hospital by Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to approve the attached Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 to ensure compliance with section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011 and to respond to the legal requirements under the Standing Orders (Wales) Amendment Regulations 2014, the Local Government (Wales) Act 2015 and related advice from Welsh Government.
Council gave consent for the Professional Lead Employment Services, the Cabinet Manager, the Senior Scrutiny Officer, the Democratic and Scrutiny Support Officer and the translator to remain in the meeting to assist in its running. All other officers left the meeting. Council considered the Pay Policy Statement setting out the Council’s arrangements for the pay and remuneration of its employees for financial year 2025/26. It was proposed by County Councillor David Thomas and seconded by County Councillor Jake Berriman and by 44 votes to 1 with 13 abstentions it was RESOLVED to approve the attached Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 to ensure compliance with section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011 and to respond to the legal requirements under the Standing Orders (Wales) Amendment Regulations 2014, the Local Government (Wales) Act 2015 and related advice from Welsh Government.
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.