Wrthi'n llwytho
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RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid meetings held on the 12th February and 5th March 2025 as an accurate reflection of the meetings.
RESOLVED to: 1. Note the outcome of, and responses to, the second phase of consultation conducted in respect of the review of community arrangements for Rhondda Cynon Taf; 2. Formally adopt the proposals emerging from the second consultation phase, detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, as final proposals noting these proposals have been commended to Council for adoption by the cross-party working group set up to oversee the Community Review; and 3. Submit the final proposals report to the LDBCW for consideration as the implementing body for the Community Review.
RESOLVED not to adopt the amendment. (Note: The following names were recorded as voting in favour of the amendment to the Notice of Motion: Councillors K Morgan, Sera Evans, D Grehan, P Evans, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, K Johnson and S Trask). Following further discussion in respect of the substantive motion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the motion. ******************************************************************************************* To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion which has been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1 and received by the Proper Officer, standing in the names of County Borough Councillors S. Trask and K. Johnson The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) estimate there are approximately 7810 people living in RCT with sight loss. Navigating buildings can prove particularly challenging when an individual has sight loss. Many public buildings that RCT has responsibility for are visited by large number of the public daily, many of whom may experience difficulties through not being able to find their way. This can cause distress and discourage sight loss affected people from accessing council services. We note that RCTCBC currently has an accessibility statement to improve access to online services, but we are not aware of a similar endeavor for physical access. We further note that there is currently no national or Welsh Government legislation mandating accessibility requirements to public buildings for sight loss affected individuals. We believe that public services should be fully accessible to all, regardless of any disability a person may be suffering. We therefore move that a report be prepared by officers for presentation to Overview & Scrutiny to improve physical access to all RCT buildings including Schools, Libraries, Leisure Centres and Council Offices through the installation of braille signage on all marked doors or other measures to assist sight loss affected people. We appreciate that such an undertaking would have cost attached and accept that any report may make recommendations for improvements to be made over several years. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the Notice of Motion.
The Presiding Member welcomed Members and Officers to the hybrid Council meeting in Llys Cadwyn, Pontypridd.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declarations of interest were made pertaining to the agenda: ITEM 5 -Members’ Questions Councillor K Johnson- “ I am an employee of Transport for Wales” Item 6 - Community Review The Director of Legal & Democratic Services: “We will record a blanket personal declaration for those who are Members of a Town or Community Council Councillor P Binning – “I am named in the report” Councillor G Hughes – “My employer who is a member of Parliament is referenced in the report” Item 7. Notice of Motion (Trustees & Volunteers) Councillor R Davis – “My husband works in the voluntary sector and is a Trustee of Interlink” Councillor J Edwards – “My employer supports many of the voluntary organisations” Councillor J Brencher – “I am a member and trustee of Pont and my son works for the Citizen’s Advice Bureau” Councillor C Preedy – “I am Director of a community interest Company” The following Councillors who were present in the meeting declared their involvement as trustees and/or volunteers on community organisations: Councillor Sheryl Evans, Councillor L Addiscott, Councillor J Barton, Councillor R Bevan, Councillor J Bonetto, Councillor S Bradwick, Councillor G Caple, Councillor J Cook, Councillor A Crimmings, Councillor S J Davies, Councillor V Dunn, Councillor E L Watts, Councillor J Elliott, Councillor A J Ellis, Councillor L Ellis, Councillor S Emanuel, Councillor D Evans, Councillor P Evans, Councillor R Evans, Councillor Sera Evans, Councillor A Fox, Councillor D Grehan, Councillor H Gronow, Councillor B Harris, Councillor G Holmes, Councillor G Hopkins, Councillor G Hughes, Councillor K Johnson, Councillor G Jones, Councillor G O Jones, Councillor W Jones, Councillor R Lewis, Councillor W Lewis, Councillor C Leyshon, Councillor C Lisles, Councillor M Maohoub, Councillor C Middle, Councillor A Morgan OBE, Councillor K Morgan, Councillor S Morgans, Councillor M Norris, Councillor D Parkin, Councillor C Preedy, Councillor S Rees, Councillor A Roberts, Councillor A O Rogers, Councillor J Smith, Councillor G Stacey, Councillor L A Tomkinson, Councillor S Trask, Councillor W Treeby, Councillor J Turner, Councillor G L Warren, Councillor K Webb, Councillor M Webber BEM, Councillor D Williams, Councillor G E Williams, Councillor R Williams and Councillor T Williams.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid meetings held on the 12th February and 5th March 2025 as an accurate reflection of the meetings.
The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid meetings held on the 12th February and 5th March 2025 as an accurate reflection of the meetings.
The following announcements were made: Ø Councillor M Webber BEM wished to congratulate Veteran Paul Bromwell for receiving the prestigious St David’s award in the Community Champion category for his dedication in supporting veterans through the Valleys Veterans Charity which is based in the Rhondda. He is a former Welsh Guardsman and Falklands war veteran and he has made a lasting impact on the veteran community. He founded Valleys Veterans over 20 years ago which offers vital services including equine therapy, horticulture, breakfast clubs and housing/employment/mental health initiatives. Councillor Webber congratulated Paul on his outstanding achievements. Ø Councillor W Treeby wished to celebrate the achievements of a local dance group called Street Flyers who have recently returned from the British Championships in Blackpool with 13 championship trophies. Councillor Treeby asked if they could be invited to the Mayor’s chamber during the summer holidays in recognition of their huge achievements. Ø Councillor J Brencher outlined the local charity Pont which was established in Pontypridd and covers the whole of RCT and has been supporting a community in Mbale in Uganda for over twenty years. During a recent visit, Councillor Brencher was asked by the community to pass on their sincere thanks and gratitude for the support they have received over the years which has made such a difference to the community with 100 schools being partnered and where malnutrition has almost been eliminated. Councillor Brencher thanked the residents and Council for its continued and unwavering support. Ø Councillor A S Fox wished to congratulate the girls football team at Pengeulan Primary School on winning RCT’s Primary 5’s Football tournament. They will now represent RCT at the Welsh School’s football National final in Newtown on the 9th May. This will be an opportunity to showcase the footballing talent of the school on a national stage and Councillor Fox wished them well in the tournament. Ø Councillor C Lisles announced that the first ever Pontypridd Brass Band Festival will take place on Saturday, 17th May 2025. Organised by the Pontypridd Brassband Festival team, in partnership with Pontypridd Town Council, the event will showcase a varied programme of outdoor and indoor performances, music themed exhibition, film night and an opportunity to try out a range of brass instruments. The event will be held at a number of venues across Pontypridd such as Clwb Y Bont, the Mill Street Quarter and the Bandstand at Ynysangharad Park. Councillor Lisles referred Members to the event Facebook page for all the details. Ø Councillor K Johnson wished to congratulate Sienna McCormack from Llantwit Fardre who recently represented Wales in the Under 18’s category in two uncapped matches against Italy and Scotland and who will soon find out if she has been selected for the Under 18’s Six Nations squad. Dylan Barrat also recently earned his first Welsh cap for Wales under 18’s category and will represent Wales Six Nations festival. Councillor Johnson paid tribute to the coaches and volunteers at Beddau and Llantwit Fardre rugby clubs for nurturing such talent. Councillor Johnson also congratulated Little Stars Nursery, based in Crownhill, Llantwit Fardre, who were runnes up in the Sessional Childcare Provision of the Year category in the RCT Childcare Provider Celebration event and also to Samantha Condick who won the Childcare Leader award.
1.Question from County Borough Councillor A. Roberts to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings: “Dog fouling seems to be on the increase throughout the whole of RCT as members could we be told the numbers of people who have been fined over the past year and is it not now the time to increase the fines substantially as a deterrent to this foul act.” Response of Councillor Crimmings: Councillor Crimmings advised that dog fouling remains a significant concern for the Council and for those who live, work and visit the County Borough, as it is in other areas. She continued that dog fouling is unpleasant and is a serious risk to human health and although the majority of dog owners are responsible; they clean up after their dogs and keep them under control there is a minority of irresponsible dog owners who create significant problems and some need to realise that failing to clear up after their dog's mess in public places is illegal. Councillor Crimmings explained that dog fouling is a dirty eyesore in the County Borough with has serious potential health implications for the community and the Council remains determined to do all it can to eradicate this problem. She added that this administration has always been clear that irresponsible ownership is not acceptable, and it will take tough action on those caught not picking up after their dog(s). Over the course of the last year, Councillor Crimmings advised that the Council’s Environmental Enforcement team have issued 114 Fixed Penalty Notices for contraventions of the Council’s Public Spaces Protection Orders. In addition to PSPOs, there are over 1,500 red dog bins in RCT in key hot spots and known dog walking routes, so there really is no excuse for people not to clean up after their dogs. In conclusion, the Cabinet Member clarified that with regards to increasing the level of fine for breaches of the PSPO, and pursuant to Section 68 (6) of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the maximum amount of a fixed penalty notice for such an offence is £100 – which is the current rate of the Council’s FPNs. Therefore the Council has no jurisdiction to increase this as it is bound by legislation. There was no supplementary question 2.Question from County Borough Councillor D. Grehan to the Leader of the Council,County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Mae parcio yn agos at adre yn holl bwysig i'n trigolion anabl ni. Mae rhai ofn symud eu ceir rhag ofn idddyn nhw golli'r lle parcio. Yn dilyn adolygiad diweddar o'r system llefydd parcio i drigolion anabl, oes yna unrhyw obaith o ail ddechrau'r broses o roi llefydd parcio anabl i'n trigolion ni?” “Mae parcio yn agos at adre yn holl bwysig i'n trigolion anabl ni. Mae rhai ofn symud eu ceir rhag ofn idddyn nhw golli'r lle parcio. Yn dilyn adolygiad diweddar o'r system llefydd parcio i drigolion anabl, oes yna unrhyw obaith o ail ddechrau'r broses o roi llefydd parcio anabl i'n trigolion ni?” “Parking close to home is very important for our disabled residents. Some are scared to move their cars in case they lose their parking space. Following the recent review of the parking spaces system for our disabled residents, is there any hope of restarting the process of giving disabled parking spaces to our residents?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan advised that the Disabled Persons Parking Bay (DPPB) scheme in RCT was suspended in September 2023 and closed to any new applicants. The scheme was reviewed to ensure it was meeting needs whilst also supporting best value for the Council with the review was carried out by Practice Solutions - an independent company - who submitted their report and recommendations in February 2025. Councillor Morgan concluded that the recommendations are now subject to the expected equality impact assessment and will then be considered by the Council as part of its Executive decision-making process. Once this is concluded, public information will be available on the website to update on the future arrangements of the scheme. Supplementary question from Councillor Grehan: “I have one resident in my ward with a crumbling backbone, she can’t walk very far and if she can’t park in front of her home she is stuck. Please can you take the decision to continue with this scheme?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan reiterated that the decision will come back as part of the Executive decision-making process following the equality impact assessment. He added that RCT Council is one of only a handful of local authorities in Wales that operates such a scheme and if it is possible, following consideration of the recommendations from the review, then the Council will proceed with the scheme. 3.Question from County Borough Councillor H. Gronow to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, County BoroughCouncillor A. Crimmings: “Can the Cabinet Member please provide an update on fly tipping in the Pontypridd area.” Response of Councillor Crimmings: Councillor Crimmings responded that much like dog fouling, fly-tipping is a blight on RCT’s beautiful countryside and historic towns like Pontypridd and the surrounding areas. The Council’s Environmental Enforcement team continue to tackle instances of fly-tipping across the County Borough and any instances of fly-tipping should be reported to the Council through existing customer contact channels whereby it will be investigated and cleared accordingly. Councillor Crimmings advised that Rhondda Cynon Taf consistently has the highest number of successful fly-tipping prosecutions in Wales. During the course of the 2024-25 financial year, the Council issued 65x £400 Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping, where evidence relating to a person or property has been found. She added that the Council continues to take the offence of fly-tipping very seriously, as the Council’s performance amongst Welsh councils over a number of years has demonstrated. Councillor Crimmings took the opportunity to thank Officers involved in bringing those who have been found responsible to task. She referred to a press release that was issued last week, where an offender was successfully prosecuted for fly-tipping offences in the lower Cynon area. In conclusion, the Cabinet Member stated that there really is no excuse for illegal dumping, the Council has six Community Recycling Centres that are open seven days a week and are free to use, as well as unlimited kerbside recycling. Supplementary question from Councillor Gronow: “There is an increase in fly tipping in my ward and with the cost of bulky item collections increasing this month, are there any plans to increase the enforcement resources so we can continue to tackle fly tipping incidents?” Response of Councillor Crimmings: Councillor Crimmings confirmed that the Council does currently have a substantial team of enforcement officers and advised the Councillor to report the fly tipping incidents in his ward so the enforcement team can address it. 4.Question from County Borough Councillor W. Hughes to the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, County BoroughCouncillor B. Harris: “Can the Cabinet Member please outline what support is available to community groups via the Community Food Fund, and how it can benefit community activities?” Response of Councillor B Harris: Councillor Harris advised that the Council has a strong record of providing support to local voluntary and third sector organisations, as it recognises the immense and valuable work that they carry out in our communities. He added that throughout 2024/25 the Council has once again utilised WLGA Direct Food and Partnerships external funding to replenish the Food Support Fund, providing resource to foodbanks & food support projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Cabinet Member advised that grants of up to £1,000 were made available to organisations that provide Direct Food Support to residents, including food costs and other non-staffing costs. In addition, each of the four RCT Food banks also received an award of £10,000. A number of funded projects, including a subsidised weekly lunch club are also in operation. Councillor Harris explained that the overall Food Support Fund figures for 2024/2025 included thirty three community projects being awarded funding amounting to £31,405 which means that the Fund has delivered food support to over 2,500 residents, with 186 volunteers involved in delivering 3,825 meals, an increase on the previous year. Councillor Harris advised that in addition to the Food Fund, the Community Development Team have also worked hard to find external funding streams throughout the Winter to support residents with access to food. This includes the Winter Hardship Fund which opened to organisations across Rhondda Cynon Taf in November to provide Winter Welcome Centres during the coldest months with seventy one Winter Warm Hubs opened in total, providing funding support totalling £126,473. This allowed centres to provide safe, warm drinks, food and spaces to the public. Councillor Harris provided information on other external grants, including the SPF Community Grant and SPF Multiply grant, which have provided additional funding to 33 community groups to run food related projects and activities totalling £291,290. He continued that for those who cannot access foodbanks or pantries, the Community Development Team have provided outstanding direct support to residents via food vouchers with 394 vouchers having been issued in 2024/25 totalling £13,790. Councillor Harris also advised that the RCT Food Partnership is due to go out for public consultation next week and the Council welcomes as much feedback as possible on this through the Council and RCT Together webpages. There was no supplementary question. 5.Question from County Borough Councillor W. Treeby to the Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development, County BoroughCouncillor M. A. Norris: “Can the Cabinet Member please make a statement on regeneration and business support in the town of Mountain Ash?” Response of Councillor Norris: Councillor Norris explained that Town Centre regeneration and supporting local businesses is a key priority for the Council and in Mountain Ash the town centre Regeneration Framework has been delivered, which sets out priorities for regeneration. He added that this has been producing positive results to not only improve the range of services offered but also enhance the environment for businesses and local people. With reference to Mountain Ash specifically, Councillor Norris highlighted the delivery of Ty Calon Taf as a new primary health care centre for the town; the redevelopment of the former day centre as the new Canolfan Pennar Community Hub; the Oxford Buildings redevelopment for independent living accommodation; and the Guto Square redevelopment and car park improvements. Councillor Norris advised that redevelopment of key buildings in the town by finding new uses to make them sustainable is also a priority for regeneration in Mountain Ash and some notable projects have been delivered including the redevelopment of both the former Lloyds and Barclays bank buildings. Three business properties in the town are currently completing their improvement projects through a grant worth £220,000 from the UK Government SPF Programme. These include two properties in Oxford Street and the George Inn. Councillor Norris advised that the Council is always ready to support residents who have plans to improve their business properties in the town and for businesses who want to grow and make their businesses and premises more sustainable in the town through the Council’s Business Growth Grant and Town Centre Maintenance Grant. He added that in the last two years sixteen businesses in Mountain Ash have been supported to improve their premises with grants worth £100,000 from SPF. Councillor Norris concluded that grants are still available in this financial year for any businesses who have plans to grow and to improve their premises. There was no supplementary question. 6.Question from County Borough Councillor N. H. Morgan to the Leader of the Council, County BoroughCouncillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader please make a statement on this Council’s investment in infrastructure projects and outline key schemes for future development?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan advised that in terms of infrastructure investment specifically in the capital programme, the Council is committing significant sums of money and regeneration schemes include progressing Southern Gateway Quarter schemes here in Pontypridd; further progressing work to the former Rates Building and completing the Rock Grounds redevelopment in Aberdare. Councillor Morgan highlighted some of the major capital investments in highways and transportation which includes funding for continued highways improvements in carriageways, footways and structures, the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor, dualling of the A4119 and the A465 Cynon Gateway schemes. Councillor Morgan also referred to further funding allocated to the Park and Ride programme at Treorchy Railway Station scheme completed and enable further exploration of funding avenues to further increase car parking opportunities at the new Porth Transport Hub. Councillor Morgan advised that the Council has opened the eighth new Primary School within a period of eighteen months bringing the total spend close to £1.2bn. There was no supplementary question due to the lapse of the allotted time.
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication provided an update on the Council Work Programme for the 2024/25 Municipal Year. He advised that this is the last Council meeting to be held before the Council’s 30th Annual General meeting (AGM) on the 21st May 2025.He added thatdiscussions are already underway with Group Leaders in relation to potential items of business; The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication explained that a calendar of meetings will be agreed at the AGM which will set out the key Council and committee dates. Members were reminded of the importance of completing the statutory survey that the Council is required to undertake in relation to the timing of meetings and the additional discretionary questions to ensure that the needs of Members are being met. The Service Director concluded that the new forward work programme for Council business will be considered at the first meeting of the new 2025/2026 Municipal Year in June 2025.
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RESOLVED to: 1. Note the outcome of, and responses to, the second phase of consultation conducted in respect of the review of community arrangements for Rhondda Cynon Taf; 2. Formally adopt the proposals emerging from the second consultation phase, detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, as final proposals noting these proposals have been commended to Council for adoption by the cross-party working group set up to oversee the Community Review; and 3. Submit the final proposals report to the LDBCW for consideration as the implementing body for the Community Review.
The Director of Legal & Democratic Services set out the purpose of the report which is (i) to inform Members of the outcome of the second phase of consultation conducted as part of the Community Review process and (ii) to present final proposals for Council to consider and, if agreed, seek authority to submit such proposals to the Local and Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales (‘LDBCW’) who are the implementing body for the review. The Director advised that Council agreed to commence a Community Review and initiate the initial period of consultation required as part of the statutory review process at its meeting held on the 24th April 2024. He added that Council also agreed the terms of reference, attached at Appendix 1 to the report as well as the Council Size Policy for conducting the review. The Director explained that the first stage of the review, completed over a six week period consultation last summer was to ask all interested parties to consider the current community boundaries and submit their views on any changes required to create communities that provide for effective and convenient local government. All submissions to the consultation were considered at a meeting of the Cross Party Working Group, established by Council to oversee the review. The Working Group agreed to commend to Council a series of proposals for adoption as draft proposals which formed the next stage of the review. The Director advised that at its meeting held on the 6th November 2024, Council considered the draft proposals report and resolved to approve that they be subject to a second phase of consultation which took place between the 14th November 2024 and the 3rd January 2025. The results of the consultation process are summarised within a report attached at Appendix 2. The Director advised that the draft proposals were well supported by relevant stakeholders including affected community and town councils. He added that all submissions and responses to the draft proposals have been considered by the Cross Party Working Group and they agreed to commend to Council the final proposals at Appendix 2. The Director advised that Council is now asked to consider the final proposals and determine whether to adopt them or not and if so, submit to the Boundary Commission for consideration. The Commission will then, if it thinks fit, give effect to those recommendations either as submitted or with modifications via a legal order and any changes that occur as a result of the review process will come into effect from the next local government elections on 2027. Following consideration it was RESOLVED to: 1. Note the outcome of, and responses to, the second phase of consultation conducted in respect of the review of community arrangements for Rhondda Cynon Taf; 2. Formally adopt the proposals emerging from the second consultation phase, detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, as final proposals noting these proposals have been commended to Council for adoption by the cross-party working group set up to oversee the Community Review; and 3. Submit the final proposals report to the LDBCW for consideration as the implementing body for the Community Review.
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RESOLVED not to adopt the amendment. (Note: The following names were recorded as voting in favour of the amendment to the Notice of Motion: Councillors K Morgan, Sera Evans, D Grehan, P Evans, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, K Johnson and S Trask). Following further discussion in respect of the substantive motion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the motion. ******************************************************************************************* To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion which has been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1 and received by the Proper Officer, standing in the names of County Borough Councillors S. Trask and K. Johnson The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) estimate there are approximately 7810 people living in RCT with sight loss. Navigating buildings can prove particularly challenging when an individual has sight loss. Many public buildings that RCT has responsibility for are visited by large number of the public daily, many of whom may experience difficulties through not being able to find their way. This can cause distress and discourage sight loss affected people from accessing council services. We note that RCTCBC currently has an accessibility statement to improve access to online services, but we are not aware of a similar endeavor for physical access. We further note that there is currently no national or Welsh Government legislation mandating accessibility requirements to public buildings for sight loss affected individuals. We believe that public services should be fully accessible to all, regardless of any disability a person may be suffering. We therefore move that a report be prepared by officers for presentation to Overview & Scrutiny to improve physical access to all RCT buildings including Schools, Libraries, Leisure Centres and Council Offices through the installation of braille signage on all marked doors or other measures to assist sight loss affected people. We appreciate that such an undertaking would have cost attached and accept that any report may make recommendations for improvements to be made over several years. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the Notice of Motion.
To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion which has been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1 and received by the Proper Officer, standing in the names of A. Morgan, M. Webber, L. Addiscott, M. D. Ashford, J. Barton, D. R. Bevan, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J. Brencher, G. Caple, J. Cook, A. Crimmings, S. J. Davies, A. J. Dennis, V. Dunn, E. L. Dunning, J. Edwards, J. A. Elliott, L. Ellis, S. Emanuel, R. Evans, Sheryl Evans, A. S. Fox, B. Harris, S. Hickman, G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, G. W. Hughes, W. Hughes, G. Jones, G. O. Jones, R. R. Lewis, W. Lewis, C. Leyshon, M. Maohoub, C. Middle, N. H. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Parkin, S. Powderhill, C. Preedy, S. Rees, A. Roberts, G. Stacey, L. A. Tomkinson, W. Treeby, J. Turner, G. L. Warren, K. Webb, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams and R. Yeo. Recognising Volunteers / Trustees Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting our communities, often dedicating their time and energy to enhance the local environment and improve residents’ quality of life. Here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, we are immensely proud of the hundreds of people across all our communities who continue to go above and beyond to help to make a difference locally. Whether that is through supporting a local community centre that hosts a range of vital activities to residents of all ages and backgrounds, or for those who take pride in our local environment through litter picking. There are countless examples of amazing work being undertaken by volunteers in our communities. However, following deep cuts to public sector funding made by previous Conservative Governments over the last decade, this Council recognises that the role of trustees and volunteers in our communities has grown considerably. Trustees and volunteers now often provide services that have become increasingly unstainable to maintain under the Council and its respective partners. This has been particularly visible over recent years, where they have had to play a key role in the response to emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cost-of-Living crisis, and even more recently, extreme weather events across the County Borough. Despite their efforts, the impact of the Cost-of-Living crisis continues to place additional pressures on many voluntary organisations and charities, with energy bills in particular presenting acute challenges to those running physical venues. It is also acknowledged that some voluntary organisations have seen a decrease in volunteer activity following the end of the pandemic. The support provided by volunteers and trustees during periods of sustained adversity has proven to be a lifeline for our residents and this Council would like to recognise such efforts. Therefore, this Council notes: · The valued role that volunteers, trustees and charities play in our communities. · That the effect of the austerity policies of previous Westminster Governments has had on the ability to provide community-based services. · That the Cost-of-Living crisis and the associated surge in energy prices has increased the pressure on organisations who maintain physical facilities. · That some community groups and organisations have witnessed a reduction in active volunteer numbers following the return to a “new normal” post-pandemic. The Council therefore resolves to: · Request the relevant Cabinet Member, based upon the recommendations of Officers, to consider the merits of implementing a campaign to promote the availability of grants and energy efficiency schemes that can benefit our community groups and buildings. · Request the relevant Cabinet Member, based upon the recommendations of Officers, to consider the merits of implementing a social media campaign that encourages residents to get involved with local community groups and promote the benefits of volunteering and trusteeship. In accordance with Procedural Rule 10.4.1 of Part 4 of the Council Constitution the following amendment was received in the names of County Borough Councillors K. Morgan, D. Grehan, Sera Evans, A. Rogers, H. Gronow, A. Ellis and P. Evans: The amended motion read: Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting our communities, often dedicating their time and energy to enhance the local environment and improve residents’ quality of life. Here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, we are immensely proud of the hundreds of people across all our communities who continue to go above and beyond to help to make a difference locally. Whether that is through supporting a local community centre that hosts a range of vital activities to residents of all ages and backgrounds, or for those who take pride in our local environment through litter picking. There are countless examples of amazing work being undertaken by volunteers in our communities. However, following deep cuts to public sector funding made by previous Conservative Governments over the last decade, this Council recognises that the role of trustees and volunteers in our communities has grown considerably. Trustees and volunteers now often provide services that have become increasingly unstainable to maintain under the Council and its respective partners. This has been particularly visible over recent years, where they have had to play a key role in the response to emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cost-of-Living crisis, and even more recently, extreme weather events across the County Borough. Despite their efforts, the impact of the Cost-of-Living crisis continues to place additional pressures on many voluntary organisations and charities, with energy bills in particular presenting acute challenges to those running physical venues. It is also acknowledged that some voluntary organisations have seen a decrease in volunteer activity following the end of the pandemic. These pressures will be further added to by not being granted exemption from the increases to employer National Insurance Contributions agreed in the UK Government autumn budget and the plans to reduce social security entitlements announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement. The support provided by volunteers and trustees during periods of sustained adversity has proven to be a lifeline for our residents and this Council would like to recognise such efforts. Therefore, this Council notes: · The valued role that volunteers, trustees and charities play in our communities. · That the effect of the austerity policies of previous Westminster Governments has had on the ability to provide community-based services. · That the Cost-of-Living crisis and the associated surge in energy prices has increased the pressure on organisations who maintain physical facilities. · That the increases to employer National Insurance Contributions will exacerbate the unprecedented financial pressures being experienced by the voluntary sector and that plans to reduce social security entitlements will increase demand on the already stretched services provided by volunteers, trustees, and charities. · That some community groups and organisations have witnessed a reduction in active volunteer numbers following the return to a “new normal” post-pandemic. The Council therefore resolves to: · Request the relevant Cabinet Member, based upon the recommendations of Officers, to consider the merits of implementing a campaign to promote the availability of grants and energy efficiency schemes that can benefit our community groups and buildings. · Request the relevant Cabinet Member, based upon the recommendations of Officers, to consider the merits of implementing a social media campaign that encourages residents to get involved with local community groups and promote the benefits of volunteering and trusteeship. · Request that the Leader of the Council writes to the UK Chancellor asking that she acts on the growing evidence of the impact of these additional costs on the voluntary sector and ensures grants and contracts cover the full costs of employing staff, including off-setting the changes to National Insurance Contributions. In accordance with the Council’s Rules of Procedure 12.7, a vote was taken in respect of the amendment to the Notice of Motion and it was RESOLVED not to adopt the amendment. (Note: The following names were recorded as voting in favour of the amendment to the Notice of Motion: Councillors K Morgan, Sera Evans, D Grehan, P Evans, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, K Johnson and S Trask). Following further discussion in respect of the substantive motion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the motion. ******************************************************************************************* To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion which has been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1 and received by the Proper Officer, standing in the names of County Borough Councillors S. Trask and K. Johnson The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) estimate there are approximately 7810 people living in RCT with sight loss. Navigating buildings can prove particularly challenging when an individual has sight loss. Many public buildings that RCT has responsibility for are visited by large number of the public daily, many of whom may experience difficulties through not being able to find their way. This can cause distress and discourage sight loss affected people from accessing council services. We note that RCTCBC currently has an accessibility statement to improve access to online services, but we are not aware of a similar endeavor for physical access. We further note that there is currently no national or Welsh Government legislation mandating accessibility requirements to public buildings for sight loss affected individuals. We believe that public services should be fully accessible to all, regardless of any disability a person may be suffering. We therefore move that a report be prepared by officers for presentation to Overview & Scrutiny to improve physical access to all RCT buildings including Schools, Libraries, Leisure Centres and Council Offices through the installation of braille signage on all marked doors or other measures to assist sight loss affected people. We appreciate that such an undertaking would have cost attached and accept that any report may make recommendations for improvements to be made over several years. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the Notice of Motion.
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.