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RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 17th December 2024 as an accurate record.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider: - the responses to the consultation on the option to close Ferndale House (summary included in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report), - the responses to the consultation on the option to close Caeglas (summary included in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report), - the information contained in this report, - the updated Equality Impact Assessment (including Socio-Economic Duty) included as Appendix 5 to the report and Welsh Language Impact Assessment included as Appendix 6 to the report; - the comments of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Joint Consultative Committee meeting held on 3rd December 2024 along with the Trade Unions responses to the consultation, included as Appendix 7 to the report; and - the recommendations and comments of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, following its meeting held on the 21st January 2025, where the Committee undertook pre-scrutiny of the consultation outcomes. [which was reported orally at the Cabinet Meeting and through a feedback letter which can be found here.] 2. That following consideration of the consultation responses and associated information provided within the report, it was determined: i. Not to proceed with the decommissioning of Ferndale House and for this accommodation to remain open and operational until the new care home development at the former Chubb Factory site in Ferndale becomes operational, at which point Ferndale House will be decommissioned. 3. That following consideration of the consultation responses and associated information provided within the report, it was determined: i. To proceed with the permanent decommissioning of Caeglas when suitable alternative placements are found for existing residents in a home of their choice which meets their assessed needs. (Note: At this point in proceedings, the meeting was adjourned for a short comfort break).
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the proposed revisions to Council fees and charges for the 2025/26 financial year along with new proposed charges; 2. For the fees and charges proposals to be consulted on through phase 2 of the Council’s 2025/26 Budget Consultation process and reported back to Cabinet for consideration as part of formulating a recommended Budget Strategy for 2025/26; 3. To note the fees and charges decisions previously approved and to be included in the 2025/26 proposed Budget Strategy (paragraph 5.7 / Table 3); 4. To note that proposed revisions to fees and charges that relate to the bereavement services provided by Llwydcoed Crematorium will be reported to the Llwydcoed Crematorium Joint Committee for consideration, the timing of which will be aligned to the Council’s phase 2 budget consultation process; and 5. To note the review to be undertaken of the cost of administrating bookings made by customers for Council services to determine whether booking fees should be introduced or the level of existing booking fees revised to cover associated administration costs, with any updates approved via operational decisions within services in consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer.
RESOLVED: 1. To note that the procedures relating to revenue budget construction, the budget consultation process, and reporting to Council, are set out in the “Budget and Policy Framework” within the Council’s Constitution; 2. To note and consider the outcomes of the budget consultation phase 1 process; 3. To review and consider the draft 2025/26 Revenue Budget Strategy, along with the implications of decisions made elsewhere on the same Cabinet agenda; 4. To consider and determine the level of Council Tax increase for 2025/26 which it would wish to build into the strategy to form the basis upon which a second phase of consultation will take place; 5. To the draft timetable for setting the 2025/26 revenue budget as set out at Appendix A2 to the report; 6. To receive feedback from the second phase of budget consultation in order to consider and determine the final budget strategy for submission to Council; and 7. That the Council continues to support the medium term financial strategy aimed at maximising ongoing efficiency in service delivery, targeted service transformation and other changes that maintain the financial integrity of the Council whilst still aiming as much as possible to protect jobs and key services.
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Bereavement Services Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024-2034.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the information contained within the attached consultation report, which includes a summary of items of correspondence received during the consultation exercise and notes of the various meetings held; and 2. To consider the following proposals to realign the mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) by issuing the appropriate statutory notices. Proposal 1: To establish an Early Years Intervention LSC for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Cwmaman Primary School. Proposal 2: To establish an Early Years Intervention LSC for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Penyrenglyn Primary School Proposal 3: To establish a LSC for pupils in Reception – Year 2 with Social Communication Needs / Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD at Hirwaun Primary School. Proposal 4: To establish a Complex Learning Difficulties LSC provision for pupils in Years 7–11 at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School. Proposal 5: To relocate the LSC for pupils Years 3-6 with Social Communication Needs / Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Penywaun Primary School to Hirwaun Primary School.
RESOLVED: 1. To note and endorse the overall good rating of the HMIP’s Inspection of the Cwm Taf YJS and the action plan agreed by the YJS Management Board to deliver the recommended improvement areas; 2. To consider the information, relating in particular, to the resource challenges and risks contained in the report; and 3. To receive a further report in 2025/26 to provide progress on the delivery of recommended improvement areas, included in paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8 of the report.
RESOLVED: 1. To review the list of schemes put forward in Appendix 1 as part of RCT’s submission to the Corporate Joint Committee that will form RCT’s funding bid for the RTP; and 2. To approve the list of schemes in Appendix 1 of the report to be submitted for funding applications, as part of the (RTP) on behalf of RCT Council.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct: - The Leader declared a personal interest in respect of item 9 of the agenda (Regional Transport Plan) – “I chair the Regional Transport Committee, the CCR and the CJC” - The Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure declared a personal interest in respect of item 6 of the agenda (Bereavement Strategy) - “I am a Member of the Llwydcoed Crematorium Committee”; - The Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure declared a personal interest in respect of item 9 of the agenda (Regional Transport Plan) – “I sit on the Regional Transport Sub-Committee”; and - County Borough K Johnson declared a personal interest in respect of item 9 of the agenda (Regional Transport Plan) – “I am an employee of Transport for Wales”.
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RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 17th December 2024 as an accurate record.
It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 17th December 2024 as an accurate record.
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RESOLVED: 1. To consider: - the responses to the consultation on the option to close Ferndale House (summary included in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report), - the responses to the consultation on the option to close Caeglas (summary included in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report), - the information contained in this report, - the updated Equality Impact Assessment (including Socio-Economic Duty) included as Appendix 5 to the report and Welsh Language Impact Assessment included as Appendix 6 to the report; - the comments of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Joint Consultative Committee meeting held on 3rd December 2024 along with the Trade Unions responses to the consultation, included as Appendix 7 to the report; and - the recommendations and comments of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, following its meeting held on the 21st January 2025, where the Committee undertook pre-scrutiny of the consultation outcomes. [which was reported orally at the Cabinet Meeting and through a feedback letter which can be found here.] 2. That following consideration of the consultation responses and associated information provided within the report, it was determined: i. Not to proceed with the decommissioning of Ferndale House and for this accommodation to remain open and operational until the new care home development at the former Chubb Factory site in Ferndale becomes operational, at which point Ferndale House will be decommissioned. 3. That following consideration of the consultation responses and associated information provided within the report, it was determined: i. To proceed with the permanent decommissioning of Caeglas when suitable alternative placements are found for existing residents in a home of their choice which meets their assessed needs. (Note: At this point in proceedings, the meeting was adjourned for a short comfort break).
The Director of Adult Services presented the report for Cabinet to consider the outcome of the consultation on the future provision of accommodation for older people at Ferndale House and Caeglas care homes. The public consultation was managed in two parts working concurrently and the outcome had been summarised in the report and its appendices, to which the Members were referred to. The consultation attracted a large number of representations with responses primarily raising the genuine concerns and anxieties of the people affected. The key concern themes had been collated and it was explained that there were no concerns put forward that could not be mitigated wholly or in part. It was acknowledged that the vast majority of respondents to the consultation were passionately opposed to the proposed decommissioning of either care home and that Cabinet would be aware of the strength of feeling but, the Council had to balance this with the competing factors, highlighted in the report to make sure the Council invests its resources in the right way so that all residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf can get the right level of care to meet their needs now and in the future. The Director advised that, taking into account the feedback received from the consultation, the supporting information, including risks and their mitigation, they still considered that the recommendations put forward in their September 2024 report regarding the decommissioning proposals for Ferndale House and Caeglas, would ensure that the Council maintains a sustainable care home market that provides sufficient residential and residential dementia care home capacity across the County Borough that is required to meet the current needs of older people and supports efficient service delivery and best use of resources to contribute to the Council’s challenging budget strategy and medium term financial plan. The Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication advised the Cabinet of the outcome of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which met on 21st January 2025 to pre-scrutinise the proposals before Members. The Cabinet had received a formal letter from the Director, which had also been linked within the recommendations of the report. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee acknowledged the case for change and the need for the Council to review its adult social care provision to ensure that it continues to meet the changing needs of the County Borough and delivers a care model that is fit for purpose. Scrutiny Committee Members noted that the needs of older residents were changing, highlighted the apparent and continuous demands within the care home provision and the necessity to address the surplus capacity which exists in the system. In the context of both homes, Members commented upon the financial circumstances surrounding the proposals and raised concerns in respect of any transport implications and geographical spread. In terms of the Ferndale House care home proposals, the majority of the Members had advocated for the continuation of the care home until the new care home development within Ferndale was available; and the need for maintaining the expertise of current staff within Ferndale House, to allow a smoother and consistent transition for the benefit of its residents to the new development once available. In terms of Cae Glas, a number of Members advocated for the continuation the home due to the specialist dementia provision within the home and members sought clarity on the provision of dementia care should the proposal to decommission the home be agreed by Cabinet. The Leader thanked the Service Director for the overview and confirmed that the Cabinet had received the detailed letter in advance of the meeting for consideration. The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care took the opportunity to thank officers for bringing forward the comprehensive report, which outlined the rationale for continually improving and modernising social care, with a focus on supporting residents to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. The Cabinet Member continued and recognised that proposals to decommission care homes were difficult and extremely sensitive. The Cabinet Member stressed that no Elected Member wanted to willingly decommission a care home but explained that the proposals were for consideration in the context of a background of austerity, not of the Council’s making; and a continuing decline in the need for general residential care over the last decade, which had resulted in low occupancy and a surplus of beds. The Cabinet Member spoke of the Council’s modernisation programme of investment to provide pathway to ensure dignity and respect in old age with modern state of the art care homes, including provision for more complex needs such as dementia and an increase in respite care. The Cabinet Member stated that he had long advocated for the Welsh Labour Government to work with the new UK Labour Government in Westminster to establish adequate and sustainable funding for a social care system that is at breaking point. The Cabinet Member concluded his initial statement by referring to the recent Local Government Settlement, which was far more favourable than anticipated. The Leader echoed the comments made in respect of the recent budget announcement and stated that the Council still faced a budget gap, albeit much less than anticipated under the previous Government’s predictions for public sector spending. Referring to the consultation feedback, the Leader took the opportunity to address an area of misinformation prior to discussion. It was reaffirmed that a new care facility would be developed in Ferndale, with the Director of Highways, Streetcare and Transportation confirming that £300,000K had already been allocated with ground investigations taking place at the site and that a plan would be submitted to the Planning and Development Committee this year. The Leader also confirmed that the new care home in Ferndale would be Council run. The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to thank officers and consultees. The Deputy Leader recognised that there had been a period of stress and uncertainty to those affected by the proposals and emphasised that the level of care in both care homes was not being questioned. Referring to the concerns of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Deputy Leader sought confirmation from the Director of Social Services in respect of the Council being able to meet the projected future needs and demand and that priority would be given to communicate with and to support the needs of the residents, regardless of the decisions made at today’s meeting. In terms of the Council’s statutory obligation around the ability to meet the assessed need of individuals, the Director of Social Services advised that significant analyses had been undertaken and that he was confident in the Council’s ability based on current demand and the availability of bed space in RCT. It was noted that, within the repot, there was clear reference as to how this would be managed and that the RCT home closure protocol was based on good practice. Referring to the report, the Deputy Leader noted that home placements had reduced by 8% and that there had been a change in the care category of residents. The Director confirmed that there had been a significant change in demand in terms of the care needs of residents. It was explained that the preference of many residents was to stay at home independently for longer, and that sometimes more specialist care was required. The Director explained that there had been a 25% increase in residential dementia beds since 2018. The Director of Adult Services added that there was still a need for general residential and dementia residential care and that the services were valuable but emphasised that there was a surplus of places. The Director stated that whilst the Council was satisfied that it can meet its statutory requirements, there was a tension between its ability to provide services across RCT with the community need for local services, which had been reflected in the consultation and within discussions at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Leader agreed with the statement and noted that Ferndale House was the only care facility currently in the Rhondda Fach area. The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care stated that the Council must comply with the statutory requirements of the Social Care and Wellbeing Act, which underpins the modernisation agenda and is compliant with the rationale for selecting the two homes. Referring to table 1 of the report, which detailed the occupancy rates of the two care homes, the Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development sought clarity on the number of beds at Ferndale House following some confusion at the Scrutiny meeting. The Director of Social Services advised that the position reported in the report was the number of registered beds (26), but due to environmental factors, which could not be addressed without a new home being built, and an increase in staffing costs, the decision was made to reduce the number to 20 available beds. The Director was confident that even with the difference between registered beds and available beds, there was still capacity within the market to meet current demand. Referring to the themed responses arising from the consultation, the Leader sought clarity on the suggestions made to re-open the additional 6 beds in Ferndale House by increasing the establishment staffing capacity at the care home; and thus, the assumption that this would make the care home more cost effective. In response, the Director stated that, whilst staff were willing to increase their hours and capacity, the home would not be able to meet need based on the environment and staffing resource. It was explained that the budget was set on the registered number of beds and that any increase in staffing costs would result incur further costs to running the home. The Director added that through analysis of the figures with finance colleagues, it would increase the level of subsidy by £152K. At this juncture, having listened to the debate thus far, the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care stated that his preferred view would be to retain Ferndale House moving forward until the new facility were to become operational but reserved his right to put forward a formal motion until further discussion in relation to both homes had taken place. The Leader acknowledged the Cabinet Member’s views and added that the new home in Ferndale would not be operational until around three years and asked Members to mindful that any savings from decommissioning the current home would be temporary. With the agreement of the Leader, the following Elected Members addressed the Cabinet in respect of the proposals for Ferndale House: - Councillor J Smith; and - Councillor S Morgans. With the agreement of the Leader, the following members of public addressed the Cabinet in respect of the proposals for Ferndale House: - Ms M Richardson; - Ms C Harris; and - Ms L Williams. The Leader thanked the speakers for their contributions and sought comments and questions from Members of the Cabinet. Both the Leader and Deputy Leader sought clarification from the Director of Human Resources in respect of comments made about sickness and absence levels. Referring to December 2024’s data, the Director advised that in terms of Ferndale House, there was a 13.7% absence rate, which was over 32% of staff; and that Caeglas had a 12% absence rate, which was over 26% of staff. The Director was mindful that sickness rates fluctuate from month to month and although he did not have further data to hand, it was noted that it was difficult to compare. The Director of Social Services added that the priority was to meet the needs of the individuals residing at the care homes and if there is a particularly high sickness rate at one time, staff are either asked to increase their hours or agency staff are deployed; and as a result of the high levels of sickness, additional costs are incurred. The Director stated that sickness levels were high but agreed that the levels and costs incurred fluctuate on a weekly basis. The Director of Adult Services added that care homes were a unique setting when it comes to sickness but noted that it had been a particular problem within Ferndale House. The Deputy Leader referred to comments made about inaccuracies within the report and requested clarification from the Directors. The Director of Social Services reiterated that the figures shown in the report were the registered number of beds and he was confident of its accuracy. He also stated there remained capacity even on analysis of the available bed figures. In terms of redundancy costs, the Director advised that the figures were based on the known permanent costs rather than projected costs. With regards to comments made about social work capacity, the Director advised that the Council had been in a positive position in terms of recruitment and retention in Adult Services over a period of time and informed Members that he was not aware of any specific workforce issues relating to capacity to meet assessed demand. The Director acknowledged the pressures across all Social Services and stated that he had not seen the Freedom of Information request from the Health Board. It was explained that officers meet monthly to consider and validate figures for Welsh Government and emphasised the importance of distinguishing between residential care figures and nursing care figures. Members were referred to Appendix 4 of the report, which demonstrated that the demand was for nursing care. In terms of the point made about Health Board data, the Leader noted that, sometimes, data from Health Boards could be misinterpreted and explained that if an individual is deemed ‘clinically fit’ to be discharged, it is from a medical point of view but they would still require a package of care in place such as physiotherapy, intervention or joint assessments between Health and the Local Authority. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language spoke of the consultation responses relating to the Council’s relationship with the Health Board and requested assurance that close working relationships were in place to address delays of transfer from hospital. The Directors confirmed that the Council continued to have a positive relationship with the Health Board and Regional Partnership Board, despite challenges with the demands of health and social care. In terms of the proposals before Members, the Director advised that the needs were around nursing and specialist placements and confirmed that the Council were working with the Health Board to support the agenda. The Director spoke of the sector’s commitment to work together to develop a regional and local response which focuses on independence and avoiding hospital admission. The Leader thanked Members and officers for their comments thus far and sought to sum up the key points highlighted. In terms of the budget situation, the Leader spoke of the better than anticipated forecast for the coming year with a substantially less budget gap. The Leader stressed that any savings made in social care were spent in social care due to the demand and pressures. The Leader reiterated that there would be a new care facility built in Ferndale and was in support of accelerating the process where possible but emphasised that the decommissioning of Ferndale House would be a temporary saving. With the agreement of the Leader, the following Elected Members addressed the Cabinet in respect of the proposals for Caeglas: - Councillor C Lisles; and - Councillor K Johnson. The Leader thanked the Members for their contributions. The Leader emphasised that the level of care provided by staff in care homes across the board was exceptional and not being questioned. In terms of the budget, the Leader commented that whether cover is provided through in-house staff or through agency staff, a cost is incurred by the home. With the agreement of the Leader, the following members of the public then addressed the Cabinet in respect of the proposals for Caeglas: - Mr J Jenkins; and - Ms A Straw. The Leader thanked the speakers for their contributions and sought comments and questions from Members of the Cabinet. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure spoke of her own personal experience living with a relative with dementia and questioned whether officers were confident that the Council could meet the growing demand across RCT. Before responding to the Member’s question, the Director of Social Services acknowledged the comments made by the speakers around the impact of the proposals on residents, families and staff. It was emphasised that the proposal had not been put forward lightly and also that the quality of care provided by the staff was not an issue. In response to the Cabinet Member, the Director was confident that through analysis, the Council would be able to meet demand in terms of the availability of beds across RCT. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change was confident that she had received enough comprehensive information to inform her decision on the proposals but raised a query in respect of respite. The Cabinet Member spoke of its importance and sought assurance that any decision made at the meeting would not result in the lessening of beds for respite. The Director of Adult Services advised that, during the consultation period, a review had been undertaken of respite care provision to consider the Council’s current offer and to examine demand and supply. The officer informed Cabinet that the findings of the review suggested that the current service was not easily accessible for individuals with different care needs. It was explained that the internal care homes had protected beds for respite care, which were available for residential or dementia residential needs. However, it was found that there was no similar facility for nursing, which generally had more urgent requirements, or for dementia nursing. It was also noted, through a Focus Group with care management staff, that the Council were reliant on bed-based care for respite which can sometimes have a disorientating effect on individuals, particularly those with dementia. As such, it was recognised that there was a need to look at alternative options such as shared lives placements for people with learning disabilities and, consideration to respite in people’s own home, particularly in an emergency situation. It was explained that respite was currently managed in an ad-hoc basis and that priority was not given to those in most need. It was also discovered that some individuals had had a considerable amount of respite through the year compared to other individuals with the same needs, that it was slightly inflexible with regards to its allocation and that it was over-prescribed at particular times of the year. The conclusion was to engage with unpaid carers and to commit to a full evaluation of respite care to look at new models. The Director stated that there was sufficient bed-based respite to manage needs and that the Council would continue to respond to emergency respite by spot purchasing the facility. Referring to comments made by a speaker regarding the need for RCT to build more care homes, the Deputy Leader questioned how many the Council currently had and how it could be compared to other Local Authorities throughout Wales. Officers informed the Deputy Leader that there were currently 7 care homes within RCT, which was a higher proportion of in-house capacity compared to Bridgend and Merthyr. The Director was unsure of the figures across the rest of Wales but his general understanding that most of their provision was with the independent sector. The Leader noted that there were 28 beds occupied in Caeglas and sought assurance, that if Cabinet were to go ahead with the proposal to decommission the home, there was capacity in the Taf Ely area to accommodate those residents, whether that be in-house or independent provision. Referring to the additional capacity at Parc Newydd which could be generated, the Director noted that there were currently 16 vacant beds and that there would be an additional 10 beds available, following the development of the wing for residential dementia. The Director spoke of the current analysis of the Taf Ely area and explained that, across the sector, there were 14 vacant residential dementia beds, which would mean some individuals would have to be placed outside of the Taf Ely area. The Director stressed that any decision would be made following discussions with family members and advocates to understand how specific needs could be addressed. The Director stated that, based on the analysis of current needs, the Taf Ely rea would not be able to meet the whole need for new placements if Caeglas were to be decommissioned. However, the Director of Adult Services added that there was capacity in RCT as a whole. The Leader commented that it was his understanding that not all of the residents at Caeglas were from the immediate locality to which the Director confirmed that around 70% of the proportion lived in close proximity of the home. The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care thanked participants for the constructive debate. The Cabinet Member proposed that Cabinet retain Ferndale House and for the accommodation to remain open and operational until the new care home development at the former Chubb Factory site in Ferndale becomes operational, at which point Ferndale House would be decommissioned; and that Cabinet proceed with the immediate decommissioning of Caeglas care home. The Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development seconded the motion. The Deputy Leader was supportive of the motion. She spoke of her personal experience with Caeglas care home and acknowledged the difficult decision to be made by Cabinet Members. Following earlier discussions in terms of respite care, the Leader added that if Ferndale House were to be retained until the new care home development become available, it would allow for a further two existing respite places to remain in use within the wider service across the County Borough. If Members were minded to agree to the motion put forward by the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, the Leader questioned if there would be an opportunity to maximise the capacity at Ferndale House and use the existing beds for further respite care. The Director confirmed that, if agreed, the Council would look to use the capacity to meet the needs of all residents across RCT, particularly in terms of respite care. For full clarity, the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services advised that if Members were minded to agree to the motion put forward, the decommissioning of Caeglas home would result in a financial saving of £1.164M, which would be factored into next year’s budget. The Director of Democratic Services and Communication confirmed the motion and Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider: - the responses to the consultation on the option to close Ferndale House (summary included in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report), - the responses to the consultation on the option to close Caeglas (summary included in Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the report), - the information contained in this report, - the updated Equality Impact Assessment (including Socio-Economic Duty) included as Appendix 5 to the report and Welsh Language Impact Assessment included as Appendix 6 to the report; - the comments of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Joint Consultative Committee meeting held on 3rd December 2024 along with the Trade Unions responses to the consultation, included as Appendix 7 to the report; and - the recommendations and comments of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, following its meeting held on the 21st January 2025, where the Committee undertook pre-scrutiny of the consultation outcomes. [which was reported orally at the Cabinet Meeting and through a feedback letter which can be found here.] 2. That following consideration of the consultation responses and associated information provided within the report, it was determined: i. Not to proceed with the decommissioning of Ferndale House and for this accommodation to remain open and operational until the new care home development at the former Chubb Factory site in Ferndale becomes operational, at which point Ferndale House will be decommissioned. 3. That following consideration of the consultation responses and associated information provided within the report, it was determined: i. To proceed with the permanent decommissioning of Caeglas when suitable alternative placements are found for existing residents in a home of their choice which meets their assessed needs. (Note: At this point in proceedings, the meeting was adjourned for a short comfort break).
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RESOLVED: 1. To consider the proposed revisions to Council fees and charges for the 2025/26 financial year along with new proposed charges; 2. For the fees and charges proposals to be consulted on through phase 2 of the Council’s 2025/26 Budget Consultation process and reported back to Cabinet for consideration as part of formulating a recommended Budget Strategy for 2025/26; 3. To note the fees and charges decisions previously approved and to be included in the 2025/26 proposed Budget Strategy (paragraph 5.7 / Table 3); 4. To note that proposed revisions to fees and charges that relate to the bereavement services provided by Llwydcoed Crematorium will be reported to the Llwydcoed Crematorium Joint Committee for consideration, the timing of which will be aligned to the Council’s phase 2 budget consultation process; and 5. To note the review to be undertaken of the cost of administrating bookings made by customers for Council services to determine whether booking fees should be introduced or the level of existing booking fees revised to cover associated administration costs, with any updates approved via operational decisions within services in consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer.
The Service Director of Finance and Improvement Services set out the proposed revisions to Council fees and charges for the 2025/26 financial year to be consulted on as part of phase 2 of the 2025/26 budget consultation process (with the proposed revisions to be effective from 1st April 2025 or as soon as is practicable thereafter); and details of fees and charges decisions previously approved and to be included in the 2025/26 proposed Budget Strategy. The Service Director stated that, as part of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Planning arrangements, fees and charges were reviewed regularly in the context of funding levels received through the Local Government Settlement; the implications of decisions already approved; Corporate Plan Well-being objectives; and feedback received as part of the consultation process. Alongside this, other key factors taken into account were the Consumer Prices Index 12-month rate of inflation, this being 2.3% in April 2024, increasing to 2.6% in November 2024 and a further slight increase forecast in 2025 to 2.7%, and supply chain inflationary cost pressures, such as for food costs, that have been well in excess of 5% during the past year. It was noted that Phase 1 of the Council’s 2025/26 Budget Consultation process set out that an across-the-board increase for all fees and charges was not considered preferable, with the preference for fees and charges to be reviewed individually having regard to service user impact. 72.5% of respondents to this question agreed with this approach as part of phase 1 of the Council’s 2025/26 Budget Consultation process. As such, it was explained that services had reviewed fees and charges levels having regard to the above-mentioned information with the objective to continue to provide a comprehensive range of quality services at affordable and competitive prices. In parallel, an on-going key objective has been to not pass through to customers / service users the full impact of inflationary pressures being experienced by Council Services when setting fees and charges levels for the 2025/26 financial year. The outcome of the review was a proposed 5.0% standard increase to fees and charges, with the Council absorbing the impact of not applying the full inflationary increases being felt across Services. The Service Director referred the Cabinet to Appendix 1 of the report, which provided a detailed summary of the proposed revisions to 2025/26 fees and charges and to Table 1 of the report, which detailed the proposed fees and charges not subject to the proposed standard increase. Members’ attention was drawn to page 330 of the report bundle and were informed of a typographical area in respect of the proposed child entry fee for the Rhondda Heritage Park. The Service Director advised that the proposed charge should read £8 instead of £8.50 but noted that the correct calculation had been used in terms of estimating the additional income. With the agreement of the Leader, as Chair of the Cabinet, the following Elected Members addressed the Cabinet: - Councillor K Johnson - Councillor C Lisles The Leader thanked the Councillors for their contributions and suggestions in respect of the Council Fees and Charges proposals and it was agreed for them to be included as part of the consultation process. The Leader requested that Members bring forward the estimated savings when making such suggestions. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the proposed revisions to Council fees and charges for the 2025/26 financial year along with new proposed charges; 2. For the fees and charges proposals to be consulted on through phase 2 of the Council’s 2025/26 Budget Consultation process and reported back to Cabinet for consideration as part of formulating a recommended Budget Strategy for 2025/26; 3. To note the fees and charges decisions previously approved and to be included in the 2025/26 proposed Budget Strategy (paragraph 5.7 / Table 3); 4. To note that proposed revisions to fees and charges that relate to the bereavement services provided by Llwydcoed Crematorium will be reported to the Llwydcoed Crematorium Joint Committee for consideration, the timing of which will be aligned to the Council’s phase 2 budget consultation process; and 5. To note the review to be undertaken of the cost of administrating bookings made by customers for Council services to determine whether booking fees should be introduced or the level of existing booking fees revised to cover associated administration costs, with any updates approved via operational decisions within services in consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer.
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RESOLVED: 1. To note that the procedures relating to revenue budget construction, the budget consultation process, and reporting to Council, are set out in the “Budget and Policy Framework” within the Council’s Constitution; 2. To note and consider the outcomes of the budget consultation phase 1 process; 3. To review and consider the draft 2025/26 Revenue Budget Strategy, along with the implications of decisions made elsewhere on the same Cabinet agenda; 4. To consider and determine the level of Council Tax increase for 2025/26 which it would wish to build into the strategy to form the basis upon which a second phase of consultation will take place; 5. To the draft timetable for setting the 2025/26 revenue budget as set out at Appendix A2 to the report; 6. To receive feedback from the second phase of budget consultation in order to consider and determine the final budget strategy for submission to Council; and 7. That the Council continues to support the medium term financial strategy aimed at maximising ongoing efficiency in service delivery, targeted service transformation and other changes that maintain the financial integrity of the Council whilst still aiming as much as possible to protect jobs and key services.
The Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director for Finance, Digital and Frontline Services provided Cabinet with information in respect of the 2025/26 local government settlement and the outcomes of the budget consultation phase 1 exercise, to assist with its deliberations in formulating the revenue budget strategy for the financial year 2025/26, which it would recommend to Council, for approval. The Deputy Chief Executive stated that the level of General Fund Balances which the Council held, at the 31st March 2024 amounted to £10.240M.Given the continuing financial pressures, the officer was of the view, that the Council should hold a minimum of £10M as General Fund Reserves. The Deputy Chief Executive stated that the starting point for the Medium Term Financial Planning and Service Transformation Reserve as at the 31st March 2024 was £2.027M. It was explained that the Council had identified and delivered savings in-year which meant an increase to the level of transitional funding available and it was stated that the latest position was that the reserve had increased to £4.724M (additional in year savings to date of £2.697M). Following the early budget reduction measures, agreed by Cabinet in November 2024, which amounted to £10,280K and additional resources made available following the provisional Local Government Settlement, which amounted to £29,248K, the remaining budget gap for the Council was now at £6,823M. The Deputy Chief Executive proposed that the level of Council Tax for next year be remodelled and set at an increase of 4.5%, which would align with the expectations of the Cabinet in terms of avoiding excessive increases in Council Tax levels and in light of the remaining budget gap which the Council faces and the desire to maintain as many services as possible. In terms of schools, it was proposed to allocate funding next year to cover in full all their pressures, which would see an additional £2M allocated to the ISB over and above that modelled in the MTFP. This would see the schools budget increase by £11.2M for next year, or 5.6%, and would be fully funded. In addition, resources for Teachers Pension Costs had been allocated to schools and the ISB base budget requirement had been adjusted to reflect updated (lower) energy budget requirements. Officers had also baselined £0.5M of one-off funding which the Council used to support the schools budget for 2024/25, ringfenced for ongoing cost pressures associated with Additional Learning Needs. As such, inclusive of the above, the schools budget would increase from £198M to £212M, an overall increase of 7%. In terms of efficiency measures, the Senior Leadership Team had already been able to agree proposals amounting to £7.392M as was reported to Cabinet on the 20th November 2024. Following the continuation of this work, the Deputy Chief Executive stated that the Senior Leadership Team had been able to identify a further range of measures and budget efficiency / reductions which would reduce the Council’s base budget requirement by £5.750M. The proposals were summarised at section 8.6 of the report. As per the previous report considered by Cabinet, the Deputy Chief Executive proposed that Fees and Charges were subject to a 5.0% standard increase (noting that several fees and charges identified were subject to specific treatment), which would generate additional income of £633k. Taking into account the above and the Cabinet’s decision in respect of the Residential Care Accommodation, the Deputy Chief Executive advised that the remaining budget gap for 2025-2026 would be £727K. The Leader took the opportunity to thank officers for producing the report for Members’ consideration. The Leader stated that, overall, the Council were in a much more positive position compared to previously, as a result of the additional following the UK Government’s budget announcement last spring. The Leader stressed the need for the Council to remain cautious as future financial settlements remained unknown and could be challenging. The Leader stated that although the budget gap had been significantly reduced, the Council would still need to make use of its transitional funding and that it was vital to keep it as low as possible for future years. With the agreement of the Leader, the following Elected Members addressed the Cabinet: - Councillor C Lisles - Councillor K Johnson The Leader thanked the Councillors for their contributions and suggestions in terms of potential savings and asked that the relevant officers take the feedback on board. The Leader hoped that the non-majority groups had found their discussions with the Council’s Section 151 officer beneficial and that it provided further understanding and rationale behind some of the Cabinet decision in terms of making savings. Following comments made in respect of the process for non-majority groups to contribute to the Council’s budget setting process, the Deputy Leader sought clarification from the Service Director for Democratic Services and Communication. The officer advised that following the Members’ queries in terms of the approach to offering an alternative budget, the Statutory Officers of the Council provided guidance when approached but emphasised that officers were always available for such discussions. Members were reminded that following the consultation process, the final budget proposed by Cabinet would be ultimately a decision of Full Council and that non-majority groups would have eight working days to put forward an alternative budget in advance of the meeting. The Deputy Leader moved the recommendations contained within the report and echoed the Leader’s comments that the Council would need to exercise caution going forward. The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to thank officers and acknowledged that making efficiency savings was becoming more difficult. Furthermore, the Deputy Leader took the opportunity to thank the respondents to the consultation. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change was also supportive of the recommendations contained within the report and praised the engagement with young people. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note that the procedures relating to revenue budget construction, the budget consultation process, and reporting to Council, are set out in the “Budget and Policy Framework” within the Council’s Constitution; 2. To note and consider the outcomes of the budget consultation phase 1 process; 3. To review and consider the draft 2025/26 Revenue Budget Strategy, along with the implications of decisions made elsewhere on the same Cabinet agenda; 4. To consider and determine the level of Council Tax increase for 2025/26 which it would wish to build into the strategy to form the basis upon which a second phase of consultation will take place; 5. To the draft timetable for setting the 2025/26 revenue budget as set out at Appendix A2 to the report; 6. To receive feedback from the second phase of budget consultation in order to consider and determine the final budget strategy for submission to Council; and 7. That the Council continues to support the medium term financial strategy aimed at maximising ongoing efficiency in service delivery, targeted service transformation and other changes that maintain the financial integrity of the Council whilst still aiming as much as possible to protect jobs and key services.
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RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Bereavement Services Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024-2034.
The Head of Leisure, Sports and Parks presented the report, which sought adoption by Cabinet of a new Bereavement Services Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024-2034. The Strategy aimed to provide a clear vision for the service, the Council, stakeholders, staff, and the public. The Strategy sought to encapsulate the focus, intent, and accountability required to ensure that the service can continue to appropriately meet the end-of-life needs of the population, with efficient, effective, and high-quality services that are inclusive, respectful, and dignified. The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities thanked the officer for the comprehensive report and was pleased to consider the first formal Bereavement Services Strategy for RCT. The Cabinet Member acknowledged that the service was a provider of delicate and critical support for the wellbeing of residents and communities during times of grief and recognised the volume of work undertaken to maintain the Council’s 14 Cemeteries and 2 crematoriums. The Cabinet Member praised the staff for their already exceptional reputation for high quality service delivery and referenced the repeated high scoring inspection results over many years. The Cabinet Member was in support of adopting the Bereavement Strategy and commented that it would allow the Council to focus and plan investment where it is most needed and provide better services for residents and Funeral Directors alike. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change echoed the previous comments and was happy to support the recommendations contained within the report. The Deputy Leader questioned if there was a degree of flexibility within the 5 Year Strategy if required, to which officers confirmed. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Bereavement Services Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024-2034.
At this point in proceedings the Cabinet resolved that the meeting would continue beyond 3 hours in duration.
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RESOLVED: 1. To note the information contained within the attached consultation report, which includes a summary of items of correspondence received during the consultation exercise and notes of the various meetings held; and 2. To consider the following proposals to realign the mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) by issuing the appropriate statutory notices. Proposal 1: To establish an Early Years Intervention LSC for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Cwmaman Primary School. Proposal 2: To establish an Early Years Intervention LSC for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Penyrenglyn Primary School Proposal 3: To establish a LSC for pupils in Reception – Year 2 with Social Communication Needs / Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD at Hirwaun Primary School. Proposal 4: To establish a Complex Learning Difficulties LSC provision for pupils in Years 7–11 at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School. Proposal 5: To relocate the LSC for pupils Years 3-6 with Social Communication Needs / Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Penywaun Primary School to Hirwaun Primary School.
The Head of Inclusion Services advised Members of the outcome of the recent consultation in respect of the proposal to enhance the mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT). Members were reminded of the Council’s statutory duty to ensure that it complies with its enhanced duties as set out in the ALNET Act 2018 and ALN Code for Wales 2021. This includes the requirement to continuously review its arrangements for supporting pupils with ALN and take any necessary steps to ensure that its additional learning provision is sufficient in terms of the type of available provision, both in relation to quantity and quality. Members’ attention was drawn to the consultation report attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The consultation in respect of the proposal was undertaken between 30th September and 15th November 2024 under the arrangements outlined in the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code. It was noted that there had been a limited response to the consultation which consisted of 25 completed questionnaires in relation to all proposals, 3 letters/emails and one petition (with 434 signatories). 70 Pupil School Council representatives attended meetings with Access and Inclusion Service staff and approximately 23 parents attended open evenings held to provide further information. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to officers for the report and to the respondents of the consultation. The Cabinet Member was of the view that the report demonstrated the Council’s commitment to continually explore options to enhance capacity and develop further support for children and young people with complex and additional learning needs. The Cabinet Member endorsed the report and stated that investment in the provision would assist the Council in meeting the increase in demand for the services and meet its responsibilities under the Act. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the information contained within the attached consultation report, which includes a summary of items of correspondence received during the consultation exercise and notes of the various meetings held; and 2. To consider the following proposals to realign the mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) by issuing the appropriate statutory notices. Proposal 1: To establish an Early Years Intervention LSC for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Cwmaman Primary School. Proposal 2: To establish an Early Years Intervention LSC for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Penyrenglyn Primary School Proposal 3: To establish a LSC for pupils in Reception – Year 2 with Social Communication Needs / Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD at Hirwaun Primary School. Proposal 4: To establish a Complex Learning Difficulties LSC provision for pupils in Years 7–11 at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School. Proposal 5: To relocate the LSC for pupils Years 3-6 with Social Communication Needs / Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Penywaun Primary School to Hirwaun Primary School.
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RESOLVED: 1. To note and endorse the overall good rating of the HMIP’s Inspection of the Cwm Taf YJS and the action plan agreed by the YJS Management Board to deliver the recommended improvement areas; 2. To consider the information, relating in particular, to the resource challenges and risks contained in the report; and 3. To receive a further report in 2025/26 to provide progress on the delivery of recommended improvement areas, included in paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8 of the report.
The Head of Youth Offending Services provided Cabinet with information regarding the inspection of the Cwm Taf Youth Justice Service (YJS) carried out by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) in April/May 2024, and the service improvement action plan developed to implement the recommendations within the HMIP Inspection report; and provide an update on service developments and resource challenges and risks impacting upon current and future service delivery. The officer directed Members to the Inspection report, which was attached as Appendix 1 to the report and summarised the key areas of strength and improvements which had been identified at sections 5.4 and 5.5 of the report. Members were informed that HMIP also inspected the quality of the Cwm Taf YJS resettlement policy and provision, which was also rated as ‘Good’, but this wasn’t included as part of the overall ratings. The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care took the opportunity to thank the officer for the detailed update following the recent inspection of the service. The Cabinet Member was pleased to note the overall good rating of the Cwm Taf Youth Justice Service, which recognised the hard work of staff. The Cabinet Member emphasised that the service was essential and that it formed an integral part of the wider Social Services portfolio, in protecting vulnerable children whilst keeping the community safe. The Cabinet Member continued and stated that the service faced unprecedented challenges, in relation to serious violence, the exploitation of children, safeguarding issues and criminal behaviour, The Cabinet Member spoke of the need to strengthen partnership working and out of court disposals but commended the report, commenting that it highlighted an experienced, committed and clear vision for operating a robust prevention service, embedding a trauma informed approach. The Deputy Leader was pleased to note that significant changes had already been made and that Cabinet would receive a further update on progress later in the Municipal year. The Deputy Leader acknowledged the challenges with resources and the need to effectively manage them to deliver the improvements. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note and endorse the overall good rating of the HMIP’s Inspection of the Cwm Taf YJS and the action plan agreed by the YJS Management Board to deliver the recommended improvement areas; 2. To consider the information, relating in particular, to the resource challenges and risks contained in the report; and 3. To receive a further report in 2025/26 to provide progress on the delivery of recommended improvement areas, included in paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8 of the report.
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RESOLVED: 1. To review the list of schemes put forward in Appendix 1 as part of RCT’s submission to the Corporate Joint Committee that will form RCT’s funding bid for the RTP; and 2. To approve the list of schemes in Appendix 1 of the report to be submitted for funding applications, as part of the (RTP) on behalf of RCT Council.
The Director of Highways Streetcare and Transportation sought approval to submit the proposed transport schemes at Appendix 1 of the report for consideration of funding as part of the South Wales Regional Transport Plan (RTP) that is going out to public consultation in late January/early February 2025. Members’ attention was drawn to the list of proposed schemes attached at Appendix 1 to the report and it was noted that the primary driver for taking schemes forward had been affordability and deliverability to inform a timeline for delivery within the 5 year period of the plan. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure firstly took the opportunity to thank officers for their work. The Cabinet Member noted the requirement for the Council to submit a list of transport schemes and that, if successful in the bidding process, the schemes would form part of the South Wales Regional Transport Plan. The Cabinet Member was in favour of the Regional Transport Plan, which would provide a strategic approach across the Councils to benefit economic development. The Leader emphasised that the submissions identified from RCT Council were within the framework and were deliverable and affordable. With the agreement of the Leader, Councillor K Johnson addressed the Cabinet. The Leader thanked the Councillor for his contribution and encouraged him to take part in the future Regional Transport Plan formal consultation, which would be going out to South-East Wales. In terms of comments made about rail transport, the Leader explained that although rail did not form part of the Plan, Local Authorities wanted to indicate in terms of some of the schemes and as such, Treforest had been included. However, it was explained that, in terms of the bidding process, rail funding would be excluded and would continue to be delivered by UK Government, Welsh Government and Transport for Wales. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To review the list of schemes put forward in Appendix 1 as part of RCT’s submission to the Corporate Joint Committee that will form RCT’s funding bid for the RTP; and 2. To approve the list of schemes in Appendix 1 of the report to be submitted for funding applications, as part of the (RTP) on behalf of RCT Council.
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.