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 to approve the minutes of the hybrid meeting held on the 20th September 2023 as an accurate reflection of the meeting. (Note: Councillor K Morgan queried minute no. 49 (i) set out on page 17 to which the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications provided a response)
RESOLVED to: i) Agree the continuation of no Council Tax discount in respect of Class A, B and C properties; ii) Agree the continuation of a 50% premium for properties that have been empty for between 12 and 24 months and a 100% premium for properties empty for longer than 24 months; and iii) Note and reaffirm the introduction of a 100% premium for Class B properties from 1st April 2024, as agreed in the Council meeting of 18th January 2023.
RESOLVED to endorse the Constitution Committee’s recommendation to adopt the Constitution Guide as attached at Appendix 1 to the report.
RESOLVED: i) To endorse the Constitution Committee’s proposed amendments to the Council’s current petition scheme as set out within section 5 of the report and agree to the proposed revisions; ii) To instruct the Monitoring Officer to amend the constitution to reflect these changes; and iii) To approve the development of a petition scheme ‘guidance booklet’ to assist members of the public in taking forward a petition and for this booklet to be developed by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
RESOLVED: i) That following Members’ consideration of the draft strategy and public consultation responses to agree the draft Public Participation Strategy attached as Appendix 1 of the report; ii) That the Strategy and relevant guides are made available in the public domain, following appropriate formatting of the documentation; and iii) That monitoring and reviewing of the Strategy is taken forward by the Democratic Services Committee. (Note: The additional form of wording to the first recommendation which was not supported by the majority of Members, was moved by Councillor C Lisles and seconded by Councillor S Trask, as follows) Following Members consideration of the draft strategy and public consultation responses, to agree the draft Public Participation Strategy attached as Appendix 1 of the report subject to the deletion of paragraph 4 on page 123 of the report.
RESOLVED: i) That the scheme for the allocation of seats to the different political groups and bodies to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies, as detailed in the Appendix to the report, be adopted; ii) That the Service Director – Democratic Services & Communication be authorised to make appointments to politically balanced bodies upon receipt by him of notification of the wishes of the political groups subject to any subsequent requests for amendment of membership of Committees being referred to Council; iii) To seek Council’s instruction in respect of the recommendation of the Statutory ‘Head of Democratic Services’ to amend the representation of members upon the Council’s Democratic Services Committee (as set out in table B); iv) That the allocation of Notices of Motion for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2023-2024 is as follows: Labour - 12 Plaid Cymru -4 RCT Independent Group - 2 Conservatives – 1 Independent Group – 1 (Note: Councillors S Trask & K Johnson abstained from voting on this motion (motion iv) refers).
RESOLVED to: i) Appoint County Borough Councillor Scott Emmanuel to the role of Vice-Chair of the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee; and ii) Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication to make any consequential membership changes, following receipt of nominations from the appropriate political group.
RESOLVED to re-appoint Mr. John Thomas as an Independent Member of the Standards Committee for a period of four years from 1st December 2023.
RESOLVED to note the Annual Report for the Standards Committee, (attached as Appendix 1 to the report).
The Presiding Member welcomed all attendees to the hybrid meeting.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations of interest pertaining to the agenda.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid meeting held on the 20th September 2023 as an accurate reflection of the meeting. (Note: Councillor K Morgan queried minute no. 49 (i) set out on page 17 to which the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications provided a response)
The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid meeting held on the 20th September 2023 as an accurate reflection of the meeting. (Note: Councillor K Morgan queried minute no. 49 (i) set out on page 17 to which the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications provided a response)
The following announcements were made: Ø The Presiding Member led the Council in a Minute’s silence in memory of all the Israeli’s and Palestinians who had lost their lives in the tragic events in the Middle East and in memory of the 116 children and 28 adults who died in the Aberfan disaster on the 21st October 1966. Ø The Presiding Member, on behalf of Council, wished to extend his best wishes to Councillor Maureen Webber and Councillor Amanda Ellis for a speedy recovery and swift return to office Ø The Presiding Member reminded Council that this would be the final hybrid council meeting to be held in the Council Chamber in Clydach Vale, which has been the Council Headquarters for the past twenty years. He added that the next hybrid meeting of the Council will take place in the new offices in Llys Cadwyn, Pontypridd.
Cabinet Member for Public Health & Communities, County Borough Councillor B Harris made a statement in respect of the recent closure of UK Windows and Doors Group Ltd formerly Griffin Windows went into administration resulting in a very worrying time for the employees and their families. He added that the support of Council, the DWP and Welsh Government has been outstanding. The information event which was organised in partnership with DWP on 18th October and held in Ystrad Sports Centre with 304UK Windows and Doors employees in attendance was well organised with only two weeks’ notice and Councillor Harris extended his gratitude to all those involved in the arrangements. He advised that feedback from the attendees has been excellent citing the professionalism and dedicated advice and support from Council staff and others which has not gone unnoticed and for which he was grateful. In conclusion, Councillor Harris advised that he has met with a local business who have shown an interest in expanding their operation with the possibility of employing more of the unfortunate staff who remain unemployed, offering them hope for the future.
1. Question from County Borough Councillor D. Wood to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “I was recently contacted by a member of the emergency services who is extremely concerned about the traffic issues and delays into Pontypridd from the Rhondda every morning. This has meant that it is taking him between 90mins or even 2 hours to arrive at work for 8am, when he is then struggling to find a parking space, which has meant that he is late for work. He would like to know whether there is an RCT plan to alleviate the ongoing traffic issues please?” Response from Councillor A Morgan OBE: The Leader responded by stating that the Council’s Highways Department continues to invest in overarching integrated strategic transport schemes designed to improve the network across the RCT, including addressing the traffic issues and delays into Pontypridd from the Rhondda. Councillor Morgan added that working alongside the South Wales Metro will encourage a modal shift towards sustainable transport provisions to reduce road traffic through providing regular and reliable alternative options. The Metro will see 24 trains per hour through Pontypridd which will mean reduced journey times and reduced congestion in Pontypridd, particularly reducing traffic on the A470. There is a significant amount of construction, engineering, and infrastructure work to do to upgrade the rail network and inevitably this has had a knock-on effect on journey times that will be reduced on completion. Councillor Morgan advised that the Council is working with TfW on the development of the Porth Interchange to improve bus and railtravel and the Transport Hub will provide attractive alternative to the use of private vehicles. The Leader referred to the through ticketing, which is something the Council is looking to achieve. In addition to the Park & Ride facilities in Abercynon and Porth, the Leader proposed that an announcement would soon be made regarding a Park & Ride project for Treorchy which would help with congested traffic. The Leader explained that the Council looks at many options to relieve the congestion on the roads, simple alternatives like sensors on Puffin Crossings can make a difference. Supplementary question from County Borough Councillor D Wood: “With the Eisteddfod coming to Pontypridd next year and the need to encourage people to travel to the event from RCT and beyond, how are you utilising the Public PS under discussion at today’s meeting, to ensure residents have their say in any traffic alleviation and infrastructure works in Pontypridd?” Response from Councillor A Morgan OBE: The Leader advised that there will be no reason to drive into Pontypridd to attend the Eisteddfod as there will be good park and Ride facilities with regular shuttle buses to Ynysangharad Park. He added that with 24 trains running through Pontypridd every hour and with good links to the, Rhondda, Aberdare and Merthyr lines this will alleviate the need to drive to the event. The Leader advised that the Council is also currently sourcing the location for siting caravans for those wishing to attend the event. The Leader recognised that local traffic in Pontypridd is under pressure currently due to the closure of the White Bridge which can lead to tailbacks along Berw Road, he added that when the traffic lights are at capacity, the sensors are unable to identify the additional traffic during static queues. He assured the local Member that he would be more than happy to engage with residents and local businesses to ensure that the Eisteddfod is a successful event. 2. Question from County Borough Councillor T. Williams to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Could the Leader provide Councillors with an update on the Shared Prosperity Fund Community Fund and other Third Sector grants?” Response from Councillor A Morgan OBE: The Leader provided the following information in relation to the Shared Prosperity Fund – RCTCBC Community Grants (From April 2022 to September 2023) as 121organisations have been awarded grants to the value of capital - £183,262 and revenue - £1,746,651. He added that a further allocation has been made for 2024-25 to 31 organisations to the value of capital £45,500 and revenue £814,831. The Leader added that further details regarding the final grant arrangements for 2024-25 would be announced in January 2024. In relation to the Shared Prosperity Fund – RCTCBC Community Micro Grants, the Leader advised that grants of up to £1,000 are available to those providing community activities/food related support to residents and 92 organisations have been awarded grants to the value of £85,714. With regards to the Neighbourhood Network Grant, an award of up to £1,000 is available for community activities and to date sixty-nineorganisations have received a total value of £49,046. This is currently paused for applications.The Leader added that awards of up to £1000 are available for direct food support for residents. The Leader confirmed that thirteen organisations have received a total value of £12,534 in relation to the Food Support Grant, which is currently open for applications from Community Groups providing food provision to their communities. He continued to update on the Period Dignity in Communities Grant where 31 community organisations have been awarded products to the value of £30,065. The Leader commented that a limited number of product bundles are still available until March 2024. The Leader explained that awards of up to £2,000 are available for the Winter Welcome Centres / Winter Hardship Fund but the application window closes on Friday 10th November 2023. Those who signed up last year have been contacted through the Neighbourhood Network. In conclusion, the Leader advised that direct offers of £540.00 will be going to 238 community organisations providing at least one community activity, such as coffee mornings, Foodbanks, Bingo and others known to the Neighbourhood Networks. There was no supplementary question 3. Question from County Borough Councillor J. Bonetto to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader make a statement on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and Action Plan?” Response from Councillor A Morgan OBE: The Leader advised that the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and Action Plan have been considered by Cabinet recently and he outlined is a key policy to underpin our major investment in this area. The Strategy covers the potential flood risk from local sources, which include ordinary watercourses, surface run-off and groundwater and as the Lead Local Flood Authority, the Council has a requirement to monitor and revise the Strategy to ensure it is aligned with any national policy or policy changes. The Leader added that Cabinet considered a draft version of the Strategy on July 17, and agreed for officers to undertake a 6-week statutory consultation between the 21st August – 2nd October 2023. He explained that Officers are reviewing the responses and areas in which the strategy could be improved, alongside developing a report to be submitted to the Climate Change, Frontlines Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee on the 22nd November 2023. Following review of the Scrutiny Committee feedback, Officers will finalise the strategy and submit to Cabinet in January 2024 for approval. Supplementary question from County Borough Councillor J Bonetto: “As you are aware, my ward was hit by river flooding, is the Council engaging with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) regarding River flooding?” Response from Councillor A Morgan OBE: The Leader advised that RCT suffered significant river flooding across RCT during Storm Dennis following which the Rivers Rhondda, Cynon and Taff have undergone catchment studies developed by NRW and following the Storm Dennis events a Flood Board was established and continues to meet every 6 weeks which includes representatives from NRW, Welsh Water, WG and senior officers from the Council. The Leader advised that desk top studies and modelling work has been undertaken by NRW and although this is a long process, there has also been a series of discussions and meetings with Ministers from WG such as Julie James MS. The Leader anticipated that by the summer there will be significant improvements but for those in areas that cannot be protected, it will be important to work closely with NRW and local residents to help them protect their properties with flood doors, flood gates, brick vent covers and other options until the studies are completed by NRW. 4. Question from County Borough Councillor C. Middle to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “What progress is the Council making in achieving its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030?” Response from Councillor A Morgan OBE: The Leader responded by stating the Council is making good progress although challenging due to the costs associated with decarbonising yet the Council is saving more than 6,000 tCO2 by investing almost £13M since the programme began (2010). He advised that a number of strategies, action plans and projects are in place to help drive the actions and to deliver the Council’s ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2030. Initiatives include the installation of Solar PV, LED lighting, Boiler and Heating Control Upgrades and during this period, the Council has also made significant financial savings. The Leader advised that the Council now has over 120 PV systems installed across its buildings, collectively generating over 1.4 MWh of renewable electricity each year. The Council also benefits from over £1m in Feed-in-Tariff payments that have been received to date. Members were advised that the Council is progressing with the design of an energy generation project comprising a land based solar farm and he added that a progress report is due to be presented to Cabinet shortly. The Leader also advised on hydro projects on viable sites across the county borough. The Leader referred to the roll out of almost 100 operational EV charging baysacross RCT as well as the introduction of 25 Battery Electric cars and Light Goods Vehicles into the Council fleet. Other projects include the Taff’s Well Thermal Spring project went live last year where the adjacent school and pavilion are benefitting from reduced carbon emissions to heat the buildings. In conclusion the Leader advised that the Council is in the process of calculating the cost of the actions contained within the Decarbonisation Strategy and a lot of other work going on in the background. Supplementary question from County Borough Councillor C Middle: “How can Councillors stay up to date with these projects?” Response from Councillor A Morgan OBE: The Leader advised that the Council has launched updates via its Carbon Footprint dashboard which is available for Members to track progress. The Leader reiterated the challenges ahead for the Council in meeting its targets and commitments by 2030 and need to make bigger savings and work quicker but proposed that a report is presented to a future Full Council meeting which will set out the trajectories in the coming years, the schemes that can be delivered in the timescales and the associated costs. 5.Question from County Borough Councillor S. Emanuel to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “What support is available to the hundreds of workers who recently lost their jobs following the closure of UK Windows and Doors?” Response from Councillor A Morgan OBE: The Leader commended the council staff who are working closely with the DWP and WG and he referred to the event which was held in partnership with DWP on 18th October and held in Ystrad Sports Centre with 304 UK Windows and Doors employees in attendance. He proposed that a similar event could be held before Christmas to consider any gaps that need to be filled. The event was well promoted and many attendees were able to receive support with their CV and hand it in to employers in attendance and a number of companies have proactively contacted the Council to offer employment for potential candidates for posts. The Leader considered that further, targeted follow-up work is undertaken to ensure that no-one is left without employment. There was no supplementary question due to the lapse of the allotted time.
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication advised that there were no changes to the Council work programme for the period and as previously notified, confirmed that this would be the last hybrid meeting of full Council. The Service Director outlined the purpose of the enclosed information report which provided an update to the Notice of Motion submitted to Full Council on the 14th June 2023, standing in the names of County Borough Councillors S Trask and K Johnson (Loneliness & Isolation). The response from Welsh Government and has been published alongside the original Notice of Motion on the Council website in line with that agreed by Full Council at its meeting in June 2023.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to: i) Agree the continuation of no Council Tax discount in respect of Class A, B and C properties; ii) Agree the continuation of a 50% premium for properties that have been empty for between 12 and 24 months and a 100% premium for properties empty for longer than 24 months; and iii) Note and reaffirm the introduction of a 100% premium for Class B properties from 1st April 2024, as agreed in the Council meeting of 18th January 2023.
The Service Director, Finance & Improvement Services presented the report of the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services in respect of Council Tax Discounts – Prescribed Class of Dwellings and advised that the report satisfies the requirement for Council to annually review and affirm or amend the application of discounts for classes of dwellings, mainly long-term empty properties and second homes. The report also confirms the continuation of the Council Tax “premium” for long term empty dwellings as well as the introduction of the “premium” for Class B prescribed dwellings these being described as second homes from the 1st April 2024. The Service Director advised that the Council does not currently award any discounts to the full amount of council tax payable on second homes nor does it award any discount on long term empty properties beyond the statutory 6-month exemption period. The report proposed that Council agrees the continuation of these arrangements in relation to the discounts, namely there is no change to the current arrangements. With regards to the Council Tax Premiums, it is proposed that the 50% premium for properties empty for between 12 and 24 months and 100% premium for properties empty for longer than 24 months, continues in line with that agreed at the Council meeting held on the 18th January 2023. In conclusion, the Service Director advised that in respect of second homes, Council is asked to note and reaffirm the introduction of a 100% premium for the Class B properties from April 2024, again as agreed in the Council meeting held in January 2023. Following discussion in respect of the report, it was RESOLVED to: i) Agree the continuation of no Council Tax discount in respect of Class A, B and C properties; ii) Agree the continuation of a 50% premium for properties that have been empty for between 12 and 24 months and a 100% premium for properties empty for longer than 24 months; and iii) Note and reaffirm the introduction of a 100% premium for Class B properties from 1st April 2024, as agreed in the Council meeting of 18th January 2023.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to endorse the Constitution Committee’s recommendation to adopt the Constitution Guide as attached at Appendix 1 to the report.
The Director of Legal & Democratic Services presented his report which sought Members endorsement of the Council’s draft Constitution Guide, as required by statute (Section 45 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021). The Director advised that Section 45 of the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (the Act) requires principal councils to publish a Constitution Guide which explains in ordinary language the content of the Council’s Constitution. Principal Councils must also publish their Constitution and Constitution Guide electronically and provide on request a copy, either free of charge, or at a charge (representing no more than the cost of providing the copy). The Director explained that the guide before Members has been designed to help members of the public understand how the Council makes decisions and works to deliver services across the county borough and provides details how local residents can get involved in democracy. The Director referred to the draft Constitution Guide itself, set out at Appendix 1, which was presented to the Constitution Committee at its meeting on the 5th June 2023, when Members commended the Guide’s adoption by Full Council. The Director confirmed that any page numbering anomalies in the copy before Members will be amended as part of the process before the Guide is published (although the Guide is correct in the original Word Document). As the Guide is an evolving document and the first iteration, the Director advised that any potential improvements such as interactive, visual and graphical representations will be presented to the Constitution Committee as and when resources allow. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to endorse the Constitution Committee’s recommendation to adopt the Constitution Guide as attached at Appendix 1 to the report.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: i) To endorse the Constitution Committee’s proposed amendments to the Council’s current petition scheme as set out within section 5 of the report and agree to the proposed revisions; ii) To instruct the Monitoring Officer to amend the constitution to reflect these changes; and iii) To approve the development of a petition scheme ‘guidance booklet’ to assist members of the public in taking forward a petition and for this booklet to be developed by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
The Service Director, Democratic Services and Communication presented his report which sought to endorse the recommendations of the Constitution Committee in respect of proposed revisions to the Council’s current petitions scheme, as in accordance with the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021. The Service Director advised that the Council’s Petition scheme has been in place before the statutory requirement upon local authorities in Wales. The Service Director referred Members to section four of the report which set out the current procedures which had been adopted by the Council’s Constitution Committee in 2019. Such procedures had demonstrated the Council’s processes following receipt of a petition by the public and/or Members. The Service Director summarised the suggested improvements to the Council’s petitions scheme at section five of the report which would enhance the current process and look to link and strengthen the wider public participation strategy that the Council is building upon. He referred Members to an area of more specific direction within the scheme, in respect of members of the public being able to submit their online e-petitions in the future to enable them to present their views on key decisions. A further revision is to include a mechanism for a petition, with the support of sufficient signatories, to be noted on a Council agenda, providing the opportunity for Elected Members to request referral of the matter to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for its consideration. The Service Director advised that the most significant amendment, seeks any petition with more than 1,000 signatures, to be visible on the Council’s website and for the opportunity for the local Member, on behalf of their residents, to request Scrutiny to consider the item with the support of Full Council. The Service Director stated that as part of the proposed revisions, Council is also asked to approve the development of the detailed guidance booklet by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. In presenting his report, the Service Director advised that the mechanism of referring matters to another council committee and the use of e-petitions, already adopted by other local authorities, has been proposed to avoid the need to create an additional administrative burden on the council through the creation of another, additional committee structure, whilst maintaining the same intent. In response to a query regarding the tiered approach and for the petitions to be referenced only on the council agenda, the Service Director emphasised the significant amount of business currently considered by Full Council each month and the importance of maintaining a balance in this respect. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED: i) To endorse the Constitution Committee’s proposed amendments to the Council’s current petition scheme as set out within section 5 of the report and agree to the proposed revisions; ii) To instruct the Monitoring Officer to amend the constitution to reflect these changes; and iii) To approve the development of a petition scheme ‘guidance booklet’ to assist members of the public in taking forward a petition and for this booklet to be developed by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: i) That following Members’ consideration of the draft strategy and public consultation responses to agree the draft Public Participation Strategy attached as Appendix 1 of the report; ii) That the Strategy and relevant guides are made available in the public domain, following appropriate formatting of the documentation; and iii) That monitoring and reviewing of the Strategy is taken forward by the Democratic Services Committee. (Note: The additional form of wording to the first recommendation which was not supported by the majority of Members, was moved by Councillor C Lisles and seconded by Councillor S Trask, as follows) Following Members consideration of the draft strategy and public consultation responses, to agree the draft Public Participation Strategy attached as Appendix 1 of the report subject to the deletion of paragraph 4 on page 123 of the report.
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication presented the Rhondda Cynon Taf’s draft Public Participation Strategy, following a public consultation as required by the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021. He confirmed that the Draft Public Participation Strategy was presented and discussed at the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 24th May 2023 and through public consultation. The Service Director referred Members to section four of the report, and specifically 4.3, which set out the six specific areas that the strategy is required to cover in line with the requirements of Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, which do not necessarily relate to general public participation approaches. He added that the Council has been proactive on a number of the six areas, such as encouraging members of the community to stand for election in advance of the Local Government Elections in 2022, improving public engagement with the Council’s scrutiny and democratic processes. In addition, the improvements made to the Council Chamber to enable the broadcasting of council proceedings. The Service Director advised that as the document is a public facing document aimed at facilitating public engagement, the Council has sought enhanced advice from the public relating to the council’s key functions as scrutiny, council and cabinet processes which has confirmed that the Council’s approaches are some of the most flexible in Wales in respect of the opportunities available to the public. The Service Director commented that section eight of the report highlights that the live document will be updated and improvements made and reviewed by the Democratic Services Committee. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED: i) That following Members’ consideration of the draft strategy and public consultation responses to agree the draft Public Participation Strategy attached as Appendix 1 of the report; ii) That the Strategy and relevant guides are made available in the public domain, following appropriate formatting of the documentation; and iii) That monitoring and reviewing of the Strategy is taken forward by the Democratic Services Committee. (Note: The additional form of wording to the first recommendation which was not supported by the majority of Members, was moved by Councillor C Lisles and seconded by Councillor S Trask, as follows) Following Members consideration of the draft strategy and public consultation responses, to agree the draft Public Participation Strategy attached as Appendix 1 of the report subject to the deletion of paragraph 4 on page 123 of the report.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: i) That the scheme for the allocation of seats to the different political groups and bodies to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies, as detailed in the Appendix to the report, be adopted; ii) That the Service Director – Democratic Services & Communication be authorised to make appointments to politically balanced bodies upon receipt by him of notification of the wishes of the political groups subject to any subsequent requests for amendment of membership of Committees being referred to Council; iii) To seek Council’s instruction in respect of the recommendation of the Statutory ‘Head of Democratic Services’ to amend the representation of members upon the Council’s Democratic Services Committee (as set out in table B); iv) That the allocation of Notices of Motion for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2023-2024 is as follows: Labour - 12 Plaid Cymru -4 RCT Independent Group - 2 Conservatives – 1 Independent Group – 1 (Note: Councillors S Trask & K Johnson abstained from voting on this motion (motion iv) refers).
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication presented the joint report in respect of the Political balance of the Council and the allocation of the notices of motion for the remainder of the 2023/24 Municipal Year. The Service Director referred Members to section three of the report which set out the outcome of the review of the Council’s political balance and the seats available for appointment by the respective Groups (set out in tables A and B within the Appendix to the report). With regards to section four of the report, which set out specific arrangements in relation to the current Democratic Services Committee membership, the Service Director, in his role as the Statutory Head of Democratic Services proposed that the membership is increased from 17 to 21 members to ensure all political groups play a role in determining matters relating to resources and support for non-executive members (as recognised by Full Council at the Council AGM in 2022 and 2023). In conclusion, the Service Director sought Council’s instruction in relation to the allocation of the Notices of Motion for the remainder of the 2023/24 Municipal Year In light of the change to political balance. Following consideration of the report, whereby the Service Director confirmed that following the appointments to politically balanced bodies, the appropriate training and support would be in place for those newly appointed Members, it was RESOLVED: i) That the scheme for the allocation of seats to the different political groups and bodies to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies, as detailed in the Appendix to the report, be adopted; ii) That the Service Director – Democratic Services & Communication be authorised to make appointments to politically balanced bodies upon receipt by him of notification of the wishes of the political groups subject to any subsequent requests for amendment of membership of Committees being referred to Council; iii) To seek Council’s instruction in respect of the recommendation of the Statutory ‘Head of Democratic Services’ to amend the representation of members upon the Council’s Democratic Services Committee (as set out in table B); iv) That the allocation of Notices of Motion for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2023-2024 is as follows: Labour - 12 Plaid Cymru -4 RCT Independent Group - 2 Conservatives – 1 Independent Group – 1 (Note: Councillors S Trask & K Johnson abstained from voting on this motion (motion iv) refers).
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to: i) Appoint County Borough Councillor Scott Emmanuel to the role of Vice-Chair of the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee; and ii) Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication to make any consequential membership changes, following receipt of nominations from the appropriate political group.
The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication presented his report which sought to advise Members of the need to appoint to the position of Vice Chair on the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the 2023/24 municipal year. The Service Director advised that following notification that Councillor K Webb wishes to stand down from her role as Vice Chair of the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee, there is a need to appoint a Vice-Chair to the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the 2023/24 Municipal Year. The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication sought consideration to the appointment of the Vice-Chair of the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee and it was RESOLVED to: i) Appoint County Borough Councillor Scott Emmanuel to the role of Vice-Chair of the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee; and ii) Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication to make any consequential membership changes, following receipt of nominations from the appropriate political group.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to re-appoint Mr. John Thomas as an Independent Member of the Standards Committee for a period of four years from 1st December 2023.
The Director of Legal & Democratic Services presented the report which sought Council’s consideration of the re-appointment of the Independent Member of the Standards Committee for a further term. The Director outlined the term of office of one of the Independent Members on the Standards Committee, namely, Mr. John Thomas, which expires on 30th November 2023. He added that during his term in office, Mr. Thomas has built up considerable experience and in order to maintain continuity on the Standards Committee, Mr. Thomas has agreed, subject to Council approval, to his term of office being extended for a further period of four years. Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to re-appoint Mr. John Thomas as an Independent Member of the Standards Committee for a period of four years from 1st December 2023.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to note the Annual Report for the Standards Committee, (attached as Appendix 1 to the report).
The Director of Legal and Democratic Services presented the Standards Annual Report for the Municipal Year 2022/23 which provided Council with a summary of the role and work undertaken by the Standards Committee throughout the Municipal Year. The Director advised that the achievements listed in the Annual Report reflect the number of matters considered by the Committee over the last year. Notable examples are provided as to how the Standards Committee has worked to continue to promote high standards of conduct within the Council. The Director of Legal & Democratic Services commented that ordinarily it would be the role of the Chair of the Standards Committee to present his report but he was unavailable to attend the Council meeting but wished to commend all Members of the Local Authority for continuing to maintain high standards of conduct and for completing the Code of Conduct training following the Local Government Elections and bi elections. He also welcomed any questions from Members in relation to the annual report or any other matter to be directed to him as Chair of the Committee or via the Director of Legal & Democratic Services. It was RESOLVED to note the Annual Report for the Standards Committee, (attached as Appendix 1 to the report).
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.