Wrthi'n llwytho
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RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd January 2025 as an accurate record.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the content of the ‘Storm Bert November 2024 - Overview Report’ and to publish on the Council’s website; 2. To agree to the program of work and indicative timescales required to deliver the Section 19 reports; 3. To agree that a further report detailing the lessons to be learnt from Storm Bert is presented to Cabinet; and 4. To agree that the completed Section 19 reports are presented to Scrutiny for future consideration.
RESOLVED: 1. To review and, if appropriate, amend the Budget Strategy which they wish to recommend to Council on the 5th March 2025; 2. To vary the level of Council Tax increase from 4.5% to 4.7%, to increase permanent resources available to prepare proactively and respond to major weather events into future years, whilst at the same time reducing our reliance on one off funding for next year; and 3. To authorise the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services to amend the final budget consequential to the receipt of the Final Settlement as set out in Section 4 of the report.
RESOLVED: 1. To review, and propose the three-year capital programme to Council on 5th March 2025 which includes: - A proposed allocation of resources as detailed in paragraph 5 of the report; - Proposed investment priorities as detailed in paragraph 6.2 of the report; - The Council’s core capital programme; - The Council’s total capital programme including additional non core funding. 2. To authorise the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services to amend the level of Council Resources required to fund the Core Three Year Capital Programme as shown at Appendix 2 to the report as a consequence of any change to the Council’s capital resource levels announced in the Final Local Government Settlement.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the details of the Welsh Government (WG) RLH Scheme and formally adopt the scheme for the year 2025/26; and 2. To note the continuation of the proposed local Business Rate Reduction Scheme for 2025/26.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the report; 2. To note the information contained within the Consultation Report, which includes: - Minutes of the Governing Body and Staff meetings held at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and Aberdare Community School. - Minutes of the School Council Meetings held Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and Aberdare Community School. - Estyn’s full response. - Feedback from Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee which met on 10th December 2024, provided by the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication. 3. That following consideration of the Consultation Report, associated information and the advice provided within the Consultation Report, to proceed with the proposal.
RESOLVED: 1. To note that no objections were received in response to the publication of the Statutory Notice to progress the proposal; 2. To implement the proposal with no amendments; and 3. That a financial update on the proposal is included in a future Treasury Management report to Council.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the comments and feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which pre-scrutinised the report at its meeting on the 21st January 2025; 2. To approve the content of the report; and 3. To approve the need for service areas to continue to embed the Welsh language as part of their service delivery, including pro-active engagement with the Council’s statutory rolling 5-year strategy for the promotion of the language, with special consideration given to the Eisteddfod legacy. N.B in accordance with the Council’s Public Participation Strategy, a Letter was received from County Borough Councillor C. Lisles in respect of the item, which Cabinet Members had sight of in advance of the meeting.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the draft report and key findings of the 2024 Air Quality Progress Report, prior to it being published for public consultation; 2. That dependent upon the outcome of public consultation, to delegate responsibility to the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services to consider the consultation responses and finalise the 2024 Air Quality Progress Report; 3. That dependent upon the outcome of public consultation, to delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services to issue Orders, pursuant to Section 83(2)(b) of the Environment Act 1995, to revoke, as a result of demonstrated sustained compliance to the relevant Air Quality Objective (AQO), in their entirety the following Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA’s): i. Aberdare Town Centre Air Quality Management Area ii. Broadway Air Quality Management Area iii. Church Village Air Quality Management Area iv. Cilfynydd Air Quality Management Area v. Llanharan Air Quality Management Area vi. Llwynypia Air Quality Management Area vii. Mwyndy Air Quality Management Area viii. Nantgarw Air Quality Management Area ix. Tonyrefail Air Quality Management Area x. Treforest Air Quality Management Area 4. That dependent upon the outcome of public consultation, to authorise the issuance of an Order, pursuant to Section 83(2)(a) of the Environment Act 1995, to vary the geographical area, so as to exclude an area that has been demonstrated to observe sustained compliance to the relevant Air Quality Objective, of the following Air Quality Management Area: i. Pontypridd Town Centre Air Quality Management Area
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the RCT Housing Strategy, which has been informed by a formal, public 6-week consultation exercise; and 2. To approve the RCT Housing Strategy (2024-2030) which provides a focused and coordinated framework to deliver safe, quality and affordable Housing across RCT
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the detail of the UK Government’s approach to allocating UKSPF funds for a transition year during 2025/26; 2. To endorse the prioritisation of RCT projects as outlined in Section 6 of the report; and 3. To endorse the continued role of the Council as lead authority for South East Wales
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the Director of Human Resources declared the following personal interest in respect of item 7 of the agenda (Consultation on a proposal to close the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School with pupils transferring to Aberdare Community School) - “I am a Governor at Aberdare Community School”.
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RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd January 2025 as an accurate record.
The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd January 2025 as an accurate record.
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RESOLVED: 1. To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.
The Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication provided Cabinet with the feedback and comments of the items that were pre-scrutinised by the Council’s thematic Scrutiny Committee’s following its last Committee cycle. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.
It was agreed to change the order of the agenda to accommodate the Director of Highways, Streetcare and Transportation.
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RESOLVED: 1. To approve the content of the ‘Storm Bert November 2024 - Overview Report’ and to publish on the Council’s website; 2. To agree to the program of work and indicative timescales required to deliver the Section 19 reports; 3. To agree that a further report detailing the lessons to be learnt from Storm Bert is presented to Cabinet; and 4. To agree that the completed Section 19 reports are presented to Scrutiny for future consideration.
The Director of Highways, Streetcare and Transportation presented Cabinet with an overview report for Storm Bert which impacted the Authority on 23-24th November 2024; and advised Members of the program of work required to deliver the Section 19 reports, as required under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (FWMA). Attached as appendix 1 to the report was the ‘Storm Bert November 2024 - Overview Report, which sought to provide an overview of the storm event, including detailed rainfall, watercourse and river level analysis, a short summary of the impacts, primary flooding types and an overview of the roles and responsibilities of Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) in managing different sources of flooding. The overview report had been produced to compliment the specific Section 19 reports. The intention was that all 5 Section 19 reports and 20 Flood Investigation Reports would be completed and published on the Council’s website 6 months following consideration and agreement from Cabinet Members. The Section 19 reports would be published on a prioritised basis as per the number of receptors impacted during the event. The Leader thanked officers for the detailed report, which he felt highlighted the intensity of the rain, catchment areas and the river levels. The Leader advised that the level of rainfall during Storm Bert surpassed that of Storm Dennis in several cases in the upper catchment and that river levels at three of the river stations broke Storm Dennis records. The Leader welcomed the recommendation for a further report to be presented to Cabinet, detailing the lessons to be learnt from Storm Bert. He spoke of a similar report considered by Cabinet, following Storm Dennis, which had allowed Members to consider areas for improvements and explained that, as such, a number of areas impacted by Storm Dennis, were not impacted by Storm Bert. The Leader spoke of the significant sum of money spent on lessons learned and referred to the Council’s emergency control room, the increase in numbers of standby staff, resources and JCB’s available. The Leader stated that in his time as Cabinet Member, Storm Bert had enabled the Council’s largest response but commented that there would, undoubtedly, be further lessons learned, investment and improvements to be made in order to address such events. The Leader noted that a significant number of properties had been impacted by river flooding during Storm Bert, which is outside of the Council’s jurisdiction. However, the Leader spoke of NRW’s flood modelling work, which had been completed in Rhondda and Taf and was in the process of being analysed to give a better understanding of where potential flood defences could be built, if at all. The Leader spoke NRW’s concerns that flood defences would cause displaced water but emphasised the importance of the analysis due to more frequent weather events occurring, particularly in the upper catchment. The Deputy Leader paid compliment to the staff for their work before, during and after Storm Bert. Speaking of her own ward, the Deputy Leader was grateful for the work carried out in terms of flood alleviation but emphasised that it only minimises the risk and that the level of rainfall during Storm Bert was unprecedented. Furthermore, the Deputy Leader spoke of the Council’s control room, which provided a level of comfort that the culverts were being monitored. Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To approve the content of the ‘Storm Bert November 2024 - Overview Report’ and to publish on the Council’s website; 2. To agree to the program of work and indicative timescales required to deliver the Section 19 reports; 3. To agree that a further report detailing the lessons to be learnt from Storm Bert is presented to Cabinet; and 4. To agree that the completed Section 19 reports are presented to Scrutiny for future consideration.
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RESOLVED: 1. To review and, if appropriate, amend the Budget Strategy which they wish to recommend to Council on the 5th March 2025; 2. To vary the level of Council Tax increase from 4.5% to 4.7%, to increase permanent resources available to prepare proactively and respond to major weather events into future years, whilst at the same time reducing our reliance on one off funding for next year; and 3. To authorise the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services to amend the final budget consequential to the receipt of the Final Settlement as set out in Section 4 of the report.
The Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director for Finance, Digital and Frontline Services presented the report, which sought Cabinet’s consideration of the draft Budget Strategy which they would wish to recommend to Council. The Budget Strategy would be considered by Council at its meeting on the 5th March 2025 for formal approval. The Deputy Chief Executive drew Members’ attention to the draft Budget Strategy, which was attached at appendix A to the report. Deputy Chief Executive advised that the final Local Government Settlement for 2025/26 was expected to be received on / around the 21st February 2025 and that, although there were no indications of any significant changes between the provisional and final settlement, authorisation was sought amend the programme to deal with any change. The Leader thanked the Deputy Chief Executive for the report. The Leader acknowledged that the budget settlement had been much better than anticipated but expected the comprehensive spending review for the forthcoming years to be more challenging; and as such, agreed with the officer’s statement that the Council must remain disciplined and begin to increase the level of transitional funding available. In terms of the proposed level of Council Tax, the Leader moved an additional recommendation to vary the level of Council Tax increase from 4.5% to 4.7%, to increase permanent resources available to prepare proactively and respond to major weather events into future years, whilst at the same time reducing our reliance on one off funding for next year. The Leader was mindful that a lessons learned weather event report was likely to be presented to the Cabinet in the near future, which would result in costs to the Council and it was reiterated that it was important to avoid using transitional funding. The Deputy Leader acknowledged the comments and moved the recommendations contained within the report, along with the Leader’s additional recommendation. The Deputy questioned how the proposed level of Council Tax compared to that of other Local Authorities in Wales. The Leader stated that, if Members were to agree to the 4.7% rise, it was his understanding that there would potentially only be one other Council in Wales with a lower increase but emphasised that not all had been agreed yet and this was based on the current publicly available information. The Deputy Chief Executive confirmed to Cabinet that an increase in Council Tax of 4.7% would generate an additional base budget income of £220K for the 2025-2026 financial year and would result in the use of transitional funding reducing to £507K. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change endorsed the report and seconded the Leader’s additional recommendation in relation to the Council Tax increase. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language was supportive of the proposed Revenue Budget and in particular, the proposal to fully fund schools in the forthcoming year. The Cabinet Member advised that the proposal had been well-received by the headteachers in attendance at the meeting of the School Budget Forum. The Leader thanked Members for their comments. The Leader acknowledged that residents would like money invested into more visible areas such as the street scene and cleansing but emphasised that social services and schools were within the core of the budget setting process, in line with statutory duties. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To review and, if appropriate, amend the Budget Strategy which they wish to recommend to Council on the 5th March 2025; 2. To vary the level of Council Tax increase from 4.5% to 4.7%, to increase permanent resources available to prepare proactively and respond to major weather events into future years, whilst at the same time reducing our reliance on one off funding for next year; and 3. To authorise the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services to amend the final budget consequential to the receipt of the Final Settlement as set out in Section 4 of the report.
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RESOLVED: 1. To review, and propose the three-year capital programme to Council on 5th March 2025 which includes: - A proposed allocation of resources as detailed in paragraph 5 of the report; - Proposed investment priorities as detailed in paragraph 6.2 of the report; - The Council’s core capital programme; - The Council’s total capital programme including additional non core funding. 2. To authorise the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services to amend the level of Council Resources required to fund the Core Three Year Capital Programme as shown at Appendix 2 to the report as a consequence of any change to the Council’s capital resource levels announced in the Final Local Government Settlement.
The Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director for Finance, Digital and Frontline Services provided Cabinet with a proposed three-year capital programme for 2025/26 to 2027/28 that if acceptable, would be presented to Council for approval on 5th March 2025. Members’ attention was drawn to the proposed report to Council, which was attached at appendix A. The Deputy Chief Executive advised that the final Local Government Settlement for 2025/26 was expected to be received on / around the 21st February 2025 and that, although there were no indications of any significant changes between the provisional and final settlement, authorisation was sought amend the programme to deal with any change. Members were informed that the proposed new 3 year capital programme for 2025/26 to 2027/28 represents a total investment of £225.315M; and comprised of: · A Core programme of £46.695M over the next 3 years; · Prudential borrowing of £2.077M to support the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme; · Local Government Borrowing Initiative funding of £3.749M to support Highways investment; · Specific grants of £101.275M; · Third party contributions of £0.105M; · Earmarked reserves and revenue contributions previously allocated to schemes and investment priorities of £42.029M; · Capital resources, in addition to the 3 year core allocation, of £17.634M; and · If agreed, allocated earmarked reserves of £8.094M, reallocated earmarked reserves of £1.500M and reallocated core funding of £2.157M, to fund the proposed investment priorities detailed in paragraph 6.2 of the report. The Deputy Chief Executive stated that, having due regard to the level of available capital resources, both from Welsh Government and from the Council’s own capital receipts, the new core programme for 2025/26 to 2027/28 had been set at £15.565M per year, which represented a fully funded £46.695M core programme across the 3 years. Members’ attention was drawn to the investment priorities listed at section 6 of the proposed report for consideration. The Leader extended his thanks to the finance officers and senior officers for putting together the proposed three-year Capital Programme. The Leader was proud of how the Capital Programme had significantly increased since his time as Council Leader and noted the proposal to commence the 2025-2026 year with £168M of investment. Furthermore, the Leader spoke of the Council’s current bids with Welsh Government such as approximately £11M on coal tips, £5-6M on drainage and £6-7M on transport. He spoke of other Local Authorities and described RCT’s Capital Programme as exceptional in comparison. Referring to section 6 of the proposed report to Council, the Leader advised that the table entailed the key investment priority areas, which were linked to both the administration and Corporate Plan priorities. The Leader explained that the areas identified were important to communities and spoke of investment in play areas, leisure centres, War Memorials and in the Arts. In terms of flood alleviation, the Leader explained that, although £0.500M was a relatively small amount, it allows leverage of Welsh Government funding. The Deputy Leader welcomed the additional funding for War Memorials on behalf of the Armed Forces. The Deputy advised that RCT would be one of the only Local Authorities in the country to digitalise its war memorials to ensure their protection for future generations to come. Furthermore, the Deputy spoke of the ongoing support provided to the Armed Forces and was grateful for the budget, despite the challenging financial times. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change noted that the Council’s Corporate Plan reinforces the need to continue to live within our means, deliver an efficient and effective Council, maximise opportunities and have a shared responsibility; and commended the level of investment outlined within the report. The Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development welcomed the budget of £13.937M for 2025/26, which had been allocated to support the next phase of regeneration. The Cabinet Member also spoke highly of the level of investment into schools and of his recent visit to the new Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn with its state-of-the-art facilities. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language echoed comments and welcomed the proposed increase for schools in the forthcoming year. The Cabinet Member commented that RCT was one of the leading Local Authorities in Wales in terms of the Education Capital Programme and was proud of the work carried out for the benefit of the pupils. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure praised the proposed investment in parks, play areas and leisure; and spoke of the health opportunities for residents. The Cabinet Member noted that over 11,000 individuals held a Leisure for Life membership in RCT. The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities welcomed the £1,500M investment into the Park and Dare theatre and was proud to be able to invest into the culture in RCT. The Leader thanked Members for their comments and the Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To review, and propose the three-year capital programme to Council on 5th March 2025 which includes: - A proposed allocation of resources as detailed in paragraph 5 of the report; - Proposed investment priorities as detailed in paragraph 6.2 of the report; - The Council’s core capital programme; - The Council’s total capital programme including additional non core funding. 2. To authorise the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services to amend the level of Council Resources required to fund the Core Three Year Capital Programme as shown at Appendix 2 to the report as a consequence of any change to the Council’s capital resource levels announced in the Final Local Government Settlement.
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RESOLVED: 1. To note the details of the Welsh Government (WG) RLH Scheme and formally adopt the scheme for the year 2025/26; and 2. To note the continuation of the proposed local Business Rate Reduction Scheme for 2025/26.
The Head of Revenue and Benefits provided Cabinet with details of the Welsh Government Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) – Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rate Relief (RLH) Scheme for 2025/26; and details of the Council’s local business rate reduction scheme. The officer explained that the adoption of the WG RLH Rate Relief Scheme and the Local Discretionary Business Rates Relief Scheme would provide further much needed financial support for local businesses to meet their 2025/26 rate liability and forms part of a wider package of support intended to create and maintain vibrant town centres across Rhondda Cynon Taf, which was a commitment of the Council in its Corporate Plan. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change thanked the officer for the report. The Cabinet Member moved to continue the proposed local Business Rate Reduction Scheme and to formally adopt the Welsh Government RLH Scheme for 2025-2026 to ensure that qualifying businesses benefit for the whole of the financial year. The Cabinet Member added that she was pleased that the Council were in a position to maintain the additional rate relief of up to £500 to a qualifying business. The Leader was in agreement with the Cabinet Member’s comments and explained that the additional rate relief of up to £500 was a commitment in the manifesto. The Leader stated that RCT was one of few, if not the only Council in Wales, to offer such support and explained that the additional payment meant that some businesses did not have to pay anything. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the details of the Welsh Government (WG) RLH Scheme and formally adopt the scheme for the year 2025/26; and 2. To note the continuation of the proposed local Business Rate Reduction Scheme for 2025/26.
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RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the report; 2. To note the information contained within the Consultation Report, which includes: - Minutes of the Governing Body and Staff meetings held at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and Aberdare Community School. - Minutes of the School Council Meetings held Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and Aberdare Community School. - Estyn’s full response. - Feedback from Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee which met on 10th December 2024, provided by the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication. 3. That following consideration of the Consultation Report, associated information and the advice provided within the Consultation Report, to proceed with the proposal.
The Director of Education and Inclusion Services advised Cabinet Members of the outcome of the recent consultation in respect of the proposal to close the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and amend the catchment area for post-16 provision to place Mountain Ash Comprehensive School in the catchment area of Aberdare Community School. Members’ attention was drawn to the consultation document, attached at appendix A to the report. The Director explained that no information that had been presented during the consultation had been deemed to necessitate a change to the Consultation Document and as such, the information contained within it, remained unchanged. It was therefore proposed that a Statutory Notice be published, to reflect the proposal as consulted upon with no modifications, in order to progress the implementation of the proposal. The Leader, as Local Member, stated that he understood the position of the Governing Body in terms of the amount of money being re-directed from pre-sixteen education to post-sixteen education to subsidise keeping the sixth form provision; and that 75% of the young people travelled to Aberdare Community School for some of their lessons. The Leader emphasised that the proposal was not about making savings for the Council and explained that costs could be generated from the Home to School transport offered. Referring to the consultation responses, the Leader added that, like himself, people were not initially aware of the substantial number of children choosing to access sixth form provision in other schools or attend college. In terms of staff at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, the Leader added that officers would support them in terms of potential redeployment and relocation opportunities. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language took the opportunity to thank officers and all respondents to the consultation. The Cabinet Member was reassured by the responses provided by officers to the matters raised during the consultation. The Cabinet Member was content with the rationale behind the proposals and echoed the Leader’s comments regarding the significant number of pupils accessing post-sixteen education elsewhere. The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care was also supportive of the recommendations contained within the report. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the report; 2. To note the information contained within the Consultation Report, which includes: - Minutes of the Governing Body and Staff meetings held at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and Aberdare Community School. - Minutes of the School Council Meetings held Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and Aberdare Community School. - Estyn’s full response. - Feedback from Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee which met on 10th December 2024, provided by the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication. 3. That following consideration of the Consultation Report, associated information and the advice provided within the Consultation Report, to proceed with the proposal.
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RESOLVED: 1. To note that no objections were received in response to the publication of the Statutory Notice to progress the proposal; 2. To implement the proposal with no amendments; and 3. That a financial update on the proposal is included in a future Treasury Management report to Council.
The Service Director for 21st Century School and Transformation advised Cabinet Members of the outcome of the recent consultation in respect of the proposal to close the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and amend the catchment area for post-16 provision to place Mountain Ash Comprehensive School in the catchment area of Aberdare Community School. The officer spoke of the decision at the meeting of Cabinet held on 17th July 2024, to begin a statutory process to formally consult on the proposal to establish a new Welsh medium primary school for 3 to 11 year olds as part of the Llanilid housing development and the proposed change of language medium of Dolau Primary School from dual language to English medium. Following the conclusion of the consultation period, and at a subsequent meeting of the Cabinet held on 20th November 2024, a decision was taken to progress to the next phase of the statutory process and to publish the required Statutory Notice. The officer advised that the Statutory Notice was published on 28th November 2024, which triggered the commencement of the Objection Period, which ran for a period of 28 days. Members were informed that no objections or comments were submitted during this period. Referring to the proposals as extremely ambitious and exciting, the Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language was pleased to note that no objections had been received in response to the publication of the statutory notice. The Cabinet Member welcomed the report and stated that a brand-new school with state-of-the-art learning facilities within the community would be well-received by residents and learners. The Member noted the size of the school, which would build in capacity for future growth in the area, aligning with the Council’s ambitious WESP. The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care also voiced his support for the proposals and the recommendations contained within the report. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note that no objections were received in response to the publication of the Statutory Notice to progress the proposal; 2. To implement the proposal with no amendments; and 3. That a financial update on the proposal is included in a future Treasury Management report to Council.
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RESOLVED: 1. To consider the comments and feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which pre-scrutinised the report at its meeting on the 21st January 2025; 2. To approve the content of the report; and 3. To approve the need for service areas to continue to embed the Welsh language as part of their service delivery, including pro-active engagement with the Council’s statutory rolling 5-year strategy for the promotion of the language, with special consideration given to the Eisteddfod legacy. N.B in accordance with the Council’s Public Participation Strategy, a Letter was received from County Borough Councillor C. Lisles in respect of the item, which Cabinet Members had sight of in advance of the meeting.
The Eisteddfod Officer provided Cabinet with a concluding overview of the 2024 Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf, specifically in relation to its overall success, community engagement, fundraising and infrastructure. The report will also highlight the work that is currently underway in realising the legacy of the Eisteddfod, internally and externally to the Council. The RCT Eisteddfod, which was held in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd between 3rd–10th August 2024, was being celebrated as the “best ever” National Eisteddfod. It had been estimated that the hugely successful festival saw more than 186,000 people attending over the eight days and section 4 of the report summarised the key achievements. The officer spoke of the ongoing efforts, which would continue to ensure the legacy of the Eisteddfod is realised and is felt for years to come. It was explained that the legacy work would form part of the Welsh Language Promotional Strategy 5-year delivery plan and progress reported annually to the Cabinet Welsh Language Sub-Committee and subject to pre-scrutiny by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities welcomed the report and took the opportunity to thank the Eisteddfod Officer for the detailed presentation and for his involvement in what had been described at one of the best National Eisteddfod events of all time, an accolade which the Cabinet Member was proud of. The Cabinet Member spoke of the tremendous amount of work undertaken by staff to organise the event, which showcased the rich heritage and culture of the County Borough and celebrated the Welsh Language. The Cabinet Member also praised the local communities for embracing the event and the language. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language endorsed the comments, adding that the Local Authority and County Borough should take pride in delivering an event of such significance. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the work of cross-cutting Council services, schools, outside bodies, communities, voluntary groups and the Eisteddfod, along with generous Welsh Government support, which had led to such a brilliant event in the heart of Pontypridd. The Cabinet Member stated that it may be too soon to fully assess the legacy but was confident of its long-lasting impact on WESP and the young people who attended. The Deputy Leader echoed earlier comments and commented that, regardless of a person’s level of knowledge of the Welsh Language, it was embraced by all. The Deputy stated that, despite pre-conceived concerns, traffic management and parking during the event had been a great success with positive feedback from commuters. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change also spoke of how proud she was of the event held in RCT and added that, never had the been an Eisteddfod with the opportunity for swimming on the Maes, with 5448 visitors using the excellent facility. The Cabinet Member thanked the Council’s YEP’s team, who not only supported 150 young people from across RCT to attend the event with a food token, free transport and entry to the Maes, but also delivered a project, which encouraged the public, who attended from all over Wales and further, to paint a mural which was then placed in the local library. The Leader endorsed the positive comments by Cabinet Members and agreed that the event was incredibly well run and praised officers for their co-ordination and collaboration, The Leader spoke of the excellent feedback following the event and advised that the Eisteddfod hoped to incorporate some of the good work from RCT into their future events. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the comments and feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which pre-scrutinised the report at its meeting on the 21st January 2025; 2. To approve the content of the report; and 3. To approve the need for service areas to continue to embed the Welsh language as part of their service delivery, including pro-active engagement with the Council’s statutory rolling 5-year strategy for the promotion of the language, with special consideration given to the Eisteddfod legacy. N.B in accordance with the Council’s Public Participation Strategy, a Letter was received from County Borough Councillor C. Lisles in respect of the item, which Cabinet Members had sight of in advance of the meeting.
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RESOLVED: 1. To consider the draft report and key findings of the 2024 Air Quality Progress Report, prior to it being published for public consultation; 2. That dependent upon the outcome of public consultation, to delegate responsibility to the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services to consider the consultation responses and finalise the 2024 Air Quality Progress Report; 3. That dependent upon the outcome of public consultation, to delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services to issue Orders, pursuant to Section 83(2)(b) of the Environment Act 1995, to revoke, as a result of demonstrated sustained compliance to the relevant Air Quality Objective (AQO), in their entirety the following Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA’s): i. Aberdare Town Centre Air Quality Management Area ii. Broadway Air Quality Management Area iii. Church Village Air Quality Management Area iv. Cilfynydd Air Quality Management Area v. Llanharan Air Quality Management Area vi. Llwynypia Air Quality Management Area vii. Mwyndy Air Quality Management Area viii. Nantgarw Air Quality Management Area ix. Tonyrefail Air Quality Management Area x. Treforest Air Quality Management Area 4. That dependent upon the outcome of public consultation, to authorise the issuance of an Order, pursuant to Section 83(2)(a) of the Environment Act 1995, to vary the geographical area, so as to exclude an area that has been demonstrated to observe sustained compliance to the relevant Air Quality Objective, of the following Air Quality Management Area: i. Pontypridd Town Centre Air Quality Management Area
The Head of Public Protection and Regulatory Services presented Cabinet with the findings of the 2024 Air Quality Progress Report and proposed the publication of the 2024 Air Quality Progress Report for public consultation. Members’ attention was drawn to appendix 1 to the report, which detailed the proposed Air Quality progress report for RCT. The officer explained that, in order to comply with statutory obligations and promote understanding of the situation, a comprehensive consultation would be undertaken and that the responses received would inform any final decision. It was explained that, subject to the outcome of public consultation, the Local Authority would accept the assessment of local air quality and the review of actions, developments and policies, which may affect local air quality management. In recognising continued improvement in local air quality, the Local Authority also considers it necessary, subject to the outcome of public consultation, to issue Orders to revoke ten extant Air Quality Management Areas and to amend one of the six remaining Air Quality Management Areas to reduce its area. The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities took the opportunity to thank officers for the detailed update, which highlighted an improvement in air quality throughout RCT. The Cabinet Member emphasised that the report before Members detailed the progress and that the good work would continue, in line with the Council’s statutory requirements. The Cabinet Member emphasised the importance of the information being publicly available and commented that, once again, RCT was sector leading in terms of its efforts and results. The Cabinet Member was supportive of the Local Authority continuing to use the relevant Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs) to guide improvement actions within the proposed six remaining AQMAs, which would facilitate the implementation of cost-effective actions. The Cabinet Member referred to several recent actions to improve air quality within the County Borough, including the continued construction of the South Wales Metro, additional EV charging points, periodic sustainable travel schemes and sustained multimillion pound phased works to improve a number of active travel routes. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language endorsed earlier comments and was in support of the recommendations contained within the report. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the draft report and key findings of the 2024 Air Quality Progress Report, prior to it being published for public consultation; 2. That dependent upon the outcome of public consultation, to delegate responsibility to the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services to consider the consultation responses and finalise the 2024 Air Quality Progress Report; 3. That dependent upon the outcome of public consultation, to delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services to issue Orders, pursuant to Section 83(2)(b) of the Environment Act 1995, to revoke, as a result of demonstrated sustained compliance to the relevant Air Quality Objective (AQO), in their entirety the following Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA’s): i. Aberdare Town Centre Air Quality Management Area ii. Broadway Air Quality Management Area iii. Church Village Air Quality Management Area iv. Cilfynydd Air Quality Management Area v. Llanharan Air Quality Management Area vi. Llwynypia Air Quality Management Area vii. Mwyndy Air Quality Management Area viii. Nantgarw Air Quality Management Area ix. Tonyrefail Air Quality Management Area x. Treforest Air Quality Management Area 4. That dependent upon the outcome of public consultation, to authorise the issuance of an Order, pursuant to Section 83(2)(a) of the Environment Act 1995, to vary the geographical area, so as to exclude an area that has been demonstrated to observe sustained compliance to the relevant Air Quality Objective, of the following Air Quality Management Area: i. Pontypridd Town Centre Air Quality Management Area
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the RCT Housing Strategy, which has been informed by a formal, public 6-week consultation exercise; and 2. To approve the RCT Housing Strategy (2024-2030) which provides a focused and coordinated framework to deliver safe, quality and affordable Housing across RCT
The Temporary Service Director for Prosperity and Development shared with Cabinet Members the new RCT Housing Strategy (2024 – 2030), following a 6-week consultation period and to gain approval for the strategy. Members’ attention was drawn to section 5 of the report, which detailed the consultation feedback. The consultation, conducted from 7th October to 18th November 2024, utilised online and in-person methods to engage a broad range of stakeholders, including residents, housing associations, housebuilders and community groups/organisations. The Director spoke of the amendments to the Strategy and explained that it proposed a vision and strategic objectives for the delivery of safe, quality affordable Housing across RCT. Members learned that, if approved, the Council would develop an annual Action Plan which would support the implementation of the Strategy and to monitor its impact on residents of RCT. The Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development praised took the opportunity to thank officers for the report. The Cabinet Member emphasised that all individuals were worthy of good quality housing and as such endorsed the recommendations contained within the report. The Cabinet Member noted that the majority of individuals who had engaged with the 6-week consultation were in support of the new Strategy and that its priorities aligned with that of the Council’s Corporate Plan. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the difficulties of managing the substantial need for housing within the County Borough but felt it was essential that focus was on raising the standard of the new housing, whilst increasing the efficiency of housing in current use. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the RCT Housing Strategy, which has been informed by a formal, public 6-week consultation exercise; and 2. To approve the RCT Housing Strategy (2024-2030) which provides a focused and coordinated framework to deliver safe, quality and affordable Housing across RCT
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the detail of the UK Government’s approach to allocating UKSPF funds for a transition year during 2025/26; 2. To endorse the prioritisation of RCT projects as outlined in Section 6 of the report; and 3. To endorse the continued role of the Council as lead authority for South East Wales
The Director for Prosperity and Development provided Cabinet Members with detail of the UK Government’s approach to allocating further UKSPF funds for a transition year between 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026; and highlighted the potential investment opportunities for RCT and the wider South East Wales region during the 2025/26 financial year. Members were informed that as part of the UK Government’s Autumn Budget 2024, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund would continue at a reduced level during 2025/26 to allow places to continue investing in local growth in advance of wider funding reform from April 2026. The aim of the additional year of funding was to provide a smooth transition from the existing UKSPF programme to a new, future funding framework by supporting investment in activities from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, including continuation of existing activity where appropriate. It was explained that, within South East Wales, a 37% budget cut was being experienced in 2025/26 and the impact of this for the region was that three local authorities, including Rhondda Cynon Taf, would see a 25.8% reduction in funding compared to a 42.8% reduction for the other 7 authorities. Members’ attention was drawn to section 6 of the report, which outlined the investment plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf during the year. The Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development praised the Council’s Regeneration officers for running both the all-Wales scheme and the local fund, which had supported a plethora of projects throughout last year’s program. The Cabinet Member was pleased that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund would continue during 2025/26 and although Rhondda Cynon Taf would see a 25.8% reduction in funding, the Cabinet Member commented that it would still enable the Council to support worthwhile schemes. The Member added that the flexibility would allow further support to be given to several projects prioritised by the Council. The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities was supportive of the recommendations contained within the report and spoke of the benefits the Shared Prosperity Fund brings to organisations. The Leader also expressed his gratitude to the Regeneration and Finance teams for their work. Referring to the continuation of the successful community grant programme and the further £2M for community groups and organisations across RCT, the Leader advised that, subject to call-in, the intention was for the fund to be available within the next week for groups to begin the application process. The Leader emphasised the value of voluntary groups and stated that there were not many other Local Authorities providing such a large proportion of the fund into supporting the third sector. The Leader added that, as WLGA Leader and Council Leader, he was lobbying UK Government to continue the fund following the 2025/2026 year. The Deputy Leader endorsed the report and commented that the £2M to the third sector would allow the groups to flourish and make a real difference within the communities. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the detail of the UK Government’s approach to allocating UKSPF funds for a transition year during 2025/26; 2. To endorse the prioritisation of RCT projects as outlined in Section 6 of the report; and 3. To endorse the continued role of the Council as lead authority for South East Wales
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.