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RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid Council meetings held on the 2nd April and 21st May 2025 as an accurate reflection of both meetings.
RESOLVED to note and approve the Council Work Programme for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year and thereafter receive further updates from the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication as appropriate.
RESOLVED to note the content of the report.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the WPP Fit for the Future Business Case previously considered by the Pension Fund Committee on the 24th March 2025 (Appendix 3 and section 7); 2. To approve the formation of a corporate entity wholly owned by the WPP Administering Authorities (AAs) to be the WPP Investment Management Company (IMCo.) and all other actions necessary to submit an application to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for the authorisation of the IMCo. including but not limited to the selection and recruitment of Senior Management Function (SMF) roles as required by the FCA and the preparation and submission of the application to the FCA (Section 8); 3. Approve the revised WPP Business Plan & budget 25/26 which includes design/enabling costs for Project Snowdon (Appendix 5 and Section 9); 4. Authorise the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director for Finance, Digital and Frontline Services, in consultation with the Pension Fund Committee Chair to progress Project Snowdon alongside WPP Administering Authorities (AAs) in line with the Government timetable and within the approved budget; and 5. Delegate the final approval of the final formal documentation required for IMCo. to be operational, described as “Go Live Work” as outlined in Section 10, to the Pension Fund Committee to give effect to the WPP Fit for the Future Business Case.
RESOLVED to agree the recommendation from the Council’s VER Panel, to approve the Chief Officer severance package (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report) in accordance with the Council’s approved 2025/26 Pay Policy statement.
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 Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers and K Johnson). Following further discussion in respect of the substantive motion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the substantive motion. (Note: The following names were recorded as abstaining from voting on the substantive Notice of Motion: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers and K Johnson)
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 were made pertaining to the agenda: Item 8. Rhondda Cynon Taf Pension Fund The Director of Legal & Democratic Services: “We will record a blanket personal declaration for those who are present and a member of the LGPS– there is an exemption in the Code that allows Members to deal with pension fund matters” Councillor R Davis, Councillor L Addiscott, Councillor J Barton, Councillor R Bevan, Councillor P Binning, Councillor S Bradwick, Councillor J Brencher, Councillor G Caple, Councillor J Cook, Councillor A Crimmings, Councillor S J Davies, Councillor J Edwards, Councillor J Elliott, Councillor A J Ellis, Councillor L Ellis, Councillor S Emanuel, Councillor R Evans, Councillor Sera Evans, Councillor A Fox, Councillor D Grehan, Councillor H Gronow, Councillor S Hickman, Councillor G Hopkins, Councillor G Hughes, Councillor W Hughes, Councillor K Johnson, Councillor G Jones, Councillor W Jones, Councillor R Lewis, Councillor W Lewis, Councillor C Leyshon, Councillor C Lisles, Councillor M Maohoub, Councillor A Morgan OBE, Councillor K Morgan, Councillor S Morgans, Councillor M Norris, Councillor D Parkin, Councillor M Powell, Councillor A Roberts, Councillor A O Rogers, Councillor J Smith, Councillor L A Tomkinson, Councillor W Treeby, Councillor J Turner, Councillor G L Warren, Councillor K Webb, Councillor M Webber BEM, Councillor G E Williams, Councillor R Williams, Councillor T Williams Other declarations relating to ITEM 8: Councillor J Smith – “My partner is a member of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service” Councillor J Brencher – “I am in receipt of a Teacher’s Pension” Councillor S Emanuel – “My wife is a member of the LGPS” Councillor G Warren – “I am in receipt of a Teacher’s Pension” Councillor R Lewis – “My mother is in receipt of the LGPS” Councillor S Bradwick – “I was a former Chair of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service” Councillor G Hughes – “My wife is in receipt of the LGPS” and “I have a frozen LGPS pension” Councillor A Morgan OBE – “I have a frozen LGPS Pension” Councillor W Hughes – “My wife is in receipt of the LGPS” Councillor M Powell – “My wife is in receipt of the LGPS” Councillor B Stephens - “My wife is in receipt of the LGPS” Councillor T Williams – “I have two children who work for RCT Council and are in receipt of the LGPS” Councillor R Bevan – “My wife is in receipt of the LGPS” Councillor W Lewis – “My son works for the Council and is in receipt of the LGPS” Councillor W Treeby – “I am in receipt of the LGPS and my two sons who work for the Council are also in receipt of the LGPS” Councillor C Lisles – “I have a frozen pension with the University of Glamorgan” Councillor G Stacey – “I have two children who work for the Council and are in receipt of the LGPS” ITEM 10. NOTICE OF MOTION (Foodbanks) Councillor R Lewis – “ I am a registered volunteer with the Merthyr/Cynon Foodbank” Councillor J Edwards – “My employer supports Foodbanks” Councillor G Warren – “I am a volunteer at my local Foodbank” Councillor J Cook – “I am involved with my local Foodbank” Councillor D Parkin – “I run the Lighthouse Project which has a community foodbank and is used regularly” ITEM 5. MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS Councillor M Norris – “I sit on the shadow board of the Cwm Clydach School” Councillor R Lewis – “I am Governor at the new school in Clydach” Councillor B Harris – “I am on the temporary Governing Body at the new school in Clydach” Councillor K Johnson – “I am an employee for Transport for Wales”
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RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid Council meetings held on the 2nd April and 21st May 2025 as an accurate reflection of both meetings.
The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid Council meetings held on the 2nd April and 21st May 2025 as an accurate reflection of both meetings.
The following announcements were made: Ø Councillor K. Morgan extended her sincerethanks and good luck wishes to former Plaid Cymru Councillor Dawn Wood who had recently taken the decision to step down from her role as ward councillor for Pontypridd Town, through ill health. Councillor Morgan added that she had made the right decision but had always put her constituents first and was sure all other Members would join her in thanking Councillor Wood and wishing her well for the future. The Leader of the Council concurred with the sentiments of Councillor K. Morgan and wished Councillor Wood the very best. Ø The Leader of the Council, Councillor A. Morgan OBE announced the recent sad passing of Des Barnett, represented Wales at different levels and Welsh Rugby and WRU President. He spoke of his long and distinguished career in the military and then with the WRU. The Leader added that he had a long and very distinguished career and he wished to extend the Council’s sympathy to Des Barnett’s wife Elaine and his family. Ø Councillor B. Harris wished to announce that Tomos Williams, from Treorchy, has been selected as one of only two Welsh rugby players to represent Wales on the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia. He added that Tomos has represented Wales, Cardiff Blues, Gloucester rugby and hails from a famous sporting family. His parents were pioneers in Welsh Women’s Basketball putting RCT firmly on the map with the Rhondda Rebels. Councillor Harris wished Tomos and Jac Morgan every success in the Lions tour. Ø Councillor J. Edwards announced the following sporting achievements from within her ward: Wattstown RFC under a newly formed volunteer committee were promoted to Division 2 (and paid a tribute to the 1905 Wattstown mining disaster). Ynyshir Albions FC were promoted to the second tier of Welsh Football. From within Tylorstown Amateur Boxing Club-Harvey Reece became Welsh Champion for the second year. 13 year old Megan Williams won gold at the British Championships and Maddison Napalever is the first girl in RCT to win the Welsh Championships and competes again in three weeks hoping for gold. Ø Councillor K Johnson wished to announce that Sienna McCormack from Llantwit Fardre who he previously announced had represented Wales in the Under 18’s category in two uncapped matches against Italy and Scotland has won her first cap. He also announced a personal achievement – that he had completed the London Marathon in April 2025 and raised £6.3k for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice. He thanked everyone who had donated. Ø Councillor M. Powell made an announcement about the Brass Band Festival in Pontypridd Town on the 17th May and he read aloud some of the positive comments from visitors who had attended the festival. He thanked the volunteers, Pontypridd Town Council and all those venues who hosted the live performances. He paid thanks to Councillor C Lisles who was instrumental in taking this event forward. Ø Councillor J. Brencher announced that there will be a special anniversary event on the 26th June at 4.30pm in Hawthorn Leisure Centre, celebrating the work of PONT which is a community linking between RCT and Umbale, Uganda.
The Deputy Leader, Councillor M Webber BEM, made two statements as follows: Ø RCT Council won an award at the National Special Educational Needs & Disability event last night which focussed on the Council’s Gateway to Employment Supported Internship Programme which is a partnership between RCT Council and Coleg y Cymoedd. Emma Brabon received the award in her role as lead for the programme. Councillor Webber acknowledged the dedication and commitment of Emma alongside Sian Woolson and the team and wished to pass on the Council’s congratulations. Councillor Webber praised the programme which provides work placement opportunities within a variety of departments to help with the transition from education to employment for young people with a learning disability and/or autistic spectrum disorders on their final year in education. Ø Councillor Webber wished to celebrate Reserves Day today by paying tribute to the 1,400 Welsh reservists who give up their spare time to serve their country. Councillor Webber referred to the Council’s Covenant which was signed in 2014 which was followed by the Defence silver Employer Recognition Scheme in 2015, gaining the gold in 2017. Councillor Webber reflected on the dedicated and brave reservists who are liable for mobilisation who bolster the regular forces if and when required and she referred to events of the last 3 years in Ukraine and recent events in the Middle East act as a reminder why we need a well recruited and well trained Reserved. The commitment of the Council to the Reserve Forces and wider Armed Forces family is unwavering as the Council continues to offer free use of its Leisure service, additional paid leave to fulfil their annual training commitment and a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the essential criteria.
The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications advised that due to apologies offered by the proposers of questions two, three and nine and in line with the Local Government procedure rules, those questions will fall. 1.Question from County Borough Councillor T. Williams to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader update on the flood bids that have been approved by the Welsh Government for this year?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE Councillor Morgan referred to the strong relationship & support from Welsh Government which continues to be a major asset. He added that so far this year, Council officers have been successful in securing approximately £6M of grant funding from the Welsh Government across several funding streams. This figure is above and beyond the figure previously reported of £100M already invested in repairs and upgrading and does not include the Council’s own match funding; typically, at 15% for the respective flood alleviation programmes. Councillor Morgan provided further details of how the £6M had been allocated with £1.5m through Resilient Roads Fund, £2.83m through the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme and £1.69m on smaller scale works. He added that this significant investment will deliver approximately 33 separate projects which range from business case development, such as schemes in Treorchy, Pentre and Treherbert, detailed design and construction phase projects to reduce the risk of flooding to the Council’s communities. Supplementary question from Councillor T Williams “Can the Leader provide details of any projects up and coming in the Cynon Valley?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE Councillor Morgan advised that a significant number of schemes have been delivered in the Cynon Valley area since 2020 – recognising this was one of the areas severely affected by Storm Dennis. He referred to the work undertaken in Cwmamen and work undertaken in Bronallt Terrace which has worked well and made a difference in protecting properties during Storm Bert due to the culvert upgrade. He referred to the Glenboi pumping Station, the scheme is underway in Troed-Y-Rhiw and work completed in the Abercynon ward and following Storm Bert work was undertaken on the A465 to Rhigos. Councillor Morgan advised that thirty three schemes will be progressing this year. 4.Question from County Borough Councillor G. W. Hughes to the Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language, County Borough Councillor R. Lewis: “Can the Cabinet Member outline the next steps for the development of the new special school on the site of the old Council offices in Clydach Vale?” Response of Councillor R Lewis: Councillor Lewis advised that construction of the brand-new 176-pupil additional learning needs school in Clydach Vale is underway and progressing well. Once completed, it will be Rhondda Cynon Taf’s fifth ALN facility. He added that site demolition was successfully completed in 2024, and planning permission was granted in March 2025 with Morgan Sindall appointed as the construction contractor. Councillor Lewis explained that the new school will provide English Medium ALN facilities in a modern two-storey building, designed to achieve Net Zero carbon in operation. He added that the school will feature modern classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, soft play, sensory rooms, a life skills area, wellbeing centre as well as outdoor learning. Construction began in April 2025, with strong progress and completion on track for Autumn of 2026. Councillor Lewis explained that works over the next period include the progression of building foundations and drainage along with forming and constructing the new car park and associated drainage works and services within this area with installation of the steel frame is currently scheduled to commence from early August. He referred to Morgan Sindall working closely with the Cambrian Trust on some smaller projects, such as a forest schools area, and have committed to donating time and materials to the Trust throughout the Construction phase where possible. In conclusion, Councillor Lewis advised that once completed, the school will reflect a much-needed investment that responds to increasing ALN learner numbers and the growing complexity of pupils’ needs for the future. The significant investment from Welsh Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council will allow us to deliver this important project. Supplementary question from Councillor G Hughes: “The Council has made significant investment in sporting facilities in close proximity to the school which often brings with it traffic and parking issues and I wondered whether on completion of the school the school parking site will be available for use to those making use of the sporting facilities?” Response of Councillor R Lewis: Councillor Lewis advised that one of the main driving factors behind the community focussed schools that we are developing across the county is that relationship with the local community and expanding access to the excellent facilities I referenced in my answer. With reference to the car park of the new school site which is just off the Cambrian Industrial Estate, parking will be made available for community use outside of school hours. 5.Question from County Borough Councillor J. Turner to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “The statement earlier this year that the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor had been given the go-ahead following a redesign was very welcome news. Can the Leader update on the progress made since then, and outline some of the key steps for the scheme to be delivered?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan advised that the scheme is a priority for the Council and it has recently announced an allocation of £5.05m to the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor following months of close working alongside Transport for Wales and Welsh Government to reshape and design the proposed scheme. He added that the scheme now looks to embed sustainable transport, public transport and active travel as its core priorities, whilst also seeking to provide solutions to local traffic challenges. Councillor Morgan reminded Members that recently the scheme was delayed due to the roads review by Welsh Government but he confirmed that it is intended to hold a Pre-Planning Application Consultation (PAC) during September and October 2025. As part of the consultation, all documents will be made available both online and available for in person inspection at Llantrisant Leisure Centre from 19th September to 17th October, and also there will be consultation days in Llanharan on Tuesday 7th October and Thursday 9th of October. Both will provide local residents the opportunity to view the plans. Councillor Morgan concluded that the road scheme is in line with the original plan but has been redesigned in terms of landscaping, cross fall and some changes to drainage and of course being able to protect the local woodland. He added that the scheme is a priority for the Council and therefore following planning permission, the scheme will progress using the Council’s own funds and CIL funding to appoint a contractor. There was no supplementary question 6.Question from County Borough Councillor W. Lewis to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings: “Can the Cabinet Member update on recycling rates in RCT and what progress is being made to improve these?” Response of Councillor A Crimmings: Councillor Crimmings commented that to build on the recycling gains the Council made in 2023-2024 and to continue to drive up recycling performance to meet the Welsh Government’s 70% recycling target, the Council has implemented a number of further key strategic and operational changes over the course of 2024-2025. Councillor Crimmings referred to the following changes: the implementation of a revised, more efficient online booking system for the collection of green waste during the winter months, the standardisation of collections of residual household waste, the introduction of 3-weekly trade waste collections, the introduction of the Welsh Government Workplace Recycling Regulations and the continued employment of additional Council Waste Awareness Officers. Councillor Crimmings advised that as a result of the proactive approach taken, she was pleased to confirm that the Council’s recycling performance has improved from 67.2% at the end 2023 to 2024 to provisionally meeting the 70% Welsh Government statutory recycling target at the end of 2024-2025. In view of the improvement, Councillor Crimmings wished to pay thanks to both the residents and the fantastic Council staff for their co-operation, as these important changes have resulted in improved streetscape with less obstructions on the footways, a more efficient waste collection service and sustained higher recycling rates. Supplementary question from Councillor W Lewis: “Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the Council’s food waste figures please?” Response of Councillor A Crimmings: Councillor Crimmings confirmed there has been an uptake in the number of requests for a food waste caddy when the changes were introduced and in addition that there has been a 17% increase in food recycling as of June and a 36% decrease in black bag waste collections. 7.Question from County Borough Councillor K. Morgan to the Cabinet Member for Public Health & Protection, County Borough Councillor B. Harris: “This Council has publicly stated that it is supporting the private homeowners who face financial hardship or losing their homes because of the discovery of RAAC in their properties by assisting them with access to Grant funding. In reality the restrictive criteria means that only 2 homeowners in Hirwaun are eligible to apply for this support and private landlords are completely excluded from the available schemes. Given the devastating impact and urgency of the situation what effective support will this Council give to these residents who feel they have been dismissed and abandoned by all?” Response of Councillor B Harris: Councillor Harris responded by commenting that Councillor Morgan will be aware that the privately-owned properties in question, that require works to remove the RAAC and replace with a permanent solution, are ultimately the responsibility of the homeowners. Councillor Harris advised that despite this, the Council has informed homeowners that it can help contribute towards the cost of remediation works. Owners who have met grant eligibility criteria have been offered a £6,500 grant,?along with an interest-free loan using Welsh Government funding, to cover the remaining cost of the work. Councillor Harris acknowledged that Councillor Morgan’s question explicitly refers to those who may not meet the grant eligibility criteria and therefore he added that it is worth noting that the Council’s Housing Grants Department also offer several loan options that can provide financial assistance to residents and homeowners within RCT to ensure their home is safe to live in. Councillor Harris referred to the following loan options: The Owner Occupier Home Improvement Loan which offers an interest free payment between £1,000 and £25,000. This payment has no set up fee, has a repayment period of 1-10 years and is subject to affordability assessments; the Property Appreciation Loan which is available for residents who are ineligible for grant assistance, and where they have been assessed and declined for an Owner Occupier Loan due to affordability. This Loan is for property owners, who’s properties are below the standard of safe, warm and secure with works needed amounting to more than £1K plus VAT. He added that this payment is repayable on upon sale or disposal of the property. Councillor Harris advised that aside from grant and loan offers, the Council has also implemented various methods of support for homeowners, including the role of a dedicated Support Worker as a point of contact to offer advice and assistance as required, and support for the Private Sector Landlords and Contract Occupiers from Public Health officers in respect of the works required for each property. Councillor Harris concluded that the Council’s Housing Standards Team have also served legal notices on the landlords to engage structural engineers to inspect their premises. Once the reports were received Housing Act Prohibition Orders were served on them and one family was rehoused as priority. Supplementary question from Councillor K Morgan: “Will the Cabinet Member contact the Welsh Government to urge them to provide support, as they did many years ago to private homeowners with the issue of previous council homes of non-standard construction and asbestos, it has been done before so can we put pressure on Welsh Government to help with funding again?” Response of Councillor B Harris: Councillor Harris agreed to liaise with Welsh Government on the points raised by Councillor Morgan and provide a response in due course. 8.Question from County Borough Councillor W. Hughes to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings: “Will the Cabinet Member make a statement on investment in our sports centres and outline how this has impacted their usage?” Response of Councillor Crimmings: Councillor Crimmings advised that since 2012, this Council has maintained a fantastic record of investment in our sports centres with approximately £12 million dedicated into improving our indoor and outdoor sports facilities. She added that each year, a significant programme of improvement works has been delivered across the county borough which has created a fantastic reputation for this Council within Wales. Councillor Crimmings commented that most recently, during 23/24, over £400k worth of funding was made available to each facility to improve the offer for customers. This included the extension and refurbishment of fitness class studios, health suites, sports hall floors and conference facilities. Councillor Crimmings advised that over the past 12 months, a further £400k has been invested to enlarge and renew fitness facilities at Rhondda Sports and by the end of 2025, we will also see a further investment of approximately £350k made at in Abercynon Sports Centre which is in addition to £150k invested into all other leisure facilities this year as part of the on-going Capital commitment. Councillor Crimmings added that in terms of usage figures, whilst the effect of the Covid pandemic did see a drop off of members and usage from 2020-2022, since then, the service has gone from strength to strength with membership increasing from 6,500 members to 11,400 members as of May 2025. The Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings was asked to bring her response to a close at this point and there was no supplementary question due to the lapse of the allotted time.
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RESOLVED to note and approve the Council Work Programme for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year and thereafter receive further updates from the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication as appropriate.
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication presented for Members’ comment and approval, a substantive Work Programme on the proposed list of matters requiring consideration by Council for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. The Service Director commented that the Council work programme is complemented by the recently adopted Cabinet work programme, the Governance & Audit Committee work programme and the soon to be agreed Overview & Scrutiny work programme, when the committee formally meets to agree it. He added that the forward work programme also serves to assist public awareness of the work of the Council throughout the year. The Service Director advised that the work programme may be subject to change to reflect additional reporting requirements or any legislative changes or business that may arise from considerations of another committee. Any such changes to business will be agreed by the Proper Officer with final agreement from the Presiding Member and where possible Group Leaders will also be informed of any changes through the municipal year. It was RESOLVED to note and approve the Council Work Programme for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year and thereafter receive further updates from the Service Director Democratic Services & Communication as appropriate.
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RESOLVED to note the content of the report.
In accordance with the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director–Finance, Digital & Frontline Services provided Members with information on the Council’s Treasury Management and the actual Prudential and Treasury Indicators for the last financial year, 2024/25. The Group Director advised that the format and content of the report are familiar to Members with the Council’s activity being highly regulated and operated within parameters and limits which have previously been agreed by Full Council. He added that the Council is supported in its activity by its Treasury Advisers, Arlingclose. The Group Director advised that the general economic picture during the year saw CPI inflation at 2.3% at the beginning of the year, increasing to 2.6% at the end of the year suggesting that the outlook will continue to be above the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) 2% target rate throughout 2025 before falling back to 2% from mid-2026. He added that the Bank of England base rate was 5.25% at the beginning of the year and reducing to 4.25% in May, which is generally in line with the forecast provided in last year’s report. It is within this environment the Council’s Treasury Management activities have been undertaken, where the low risk strategy has been maintained and the Council operated in compliance with its limits and compliance throughout the year. The Group Director provided an overview of the Council’s borrowing strategy which continues to take maximum advantage of internal funds and cash balances with borrowing at the end of the year amounting to £285M with an average rate of 3.78%. He advised that Treasury and Prudential Indicators and Limits are set out from section 9 of the report, and the Council operated within and in compliance with them throughout the year. In conclusion, the Group Director advised that the Council holds an under borrowed position as compared with the Council’s Capital Finance Requirement (CFR) which is the Council’s underlying need to borrow. He added that the Council’s interest earned and investment rate risk and indicators are set out at section 11 of the report. Following discussion whereby the Group Director responded to a number of queries and confirmed he would provide a response to the Member regarding their query relating to table 2 at paragraph 8.1 specifically ‘other temporary loans’, it was RESOLVED to note the content of the report.
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RESOLVED: 1. To note the WPP Fit for the Future Business Case previously considered by the Pension Fund Committee on the 24th March 2025 (Appendix 3 and section 7); 2. To approve the formation of a corporate entity wholly owned by the WPP Administering Authorities (AAs) to be the WPP Investment Management Company (IMCo.) and all other actions necessary to submit an application to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for the authorisation of the IMCo. including but not limited to the selection and recruitment of Senior Management Function (SMF) roles as required by the FCA and the preparation and submission of the application to the FCA (Section 8); 3. Approve the revised WPP Business Plan & budget 25/26 which includes design/enabling costs for Project Snowdon (Appendix 5 and Section 9); 4. Authorise the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director for Finance, Digital and Frontline Services, in consultation with the Pension Fund Committee Chair to progress Project Snowdon alongside WPP Administering Authorities (AAs) in line with the Government timetable and within the approved budget; and 5. Delegate the final approval of the final formal documentation required for IMCo. to be operational, described as “Go Live Work” as outlined in Section 10, to the Pension Fund Committee to give effect to the WPP Fit for the Future Business Case.
The Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services presented his report which provided Members with information in respect of Government consultation and developments and its implications for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Pension Fund and the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP). The Group Director advised that Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has responsibility for the RCT Pension Fund, the Council being the designated Administering Authority for this purpose. Its responsibilities relate to the management of the fund’s investment and also the payment of all pension benefits and the collection of pension contributions. He added that the Fund has a robust governance structure in place which is heavily regulated and the Council has delegated strategic management of the Fund to the Pension Committee with day to day responsibility delegated to the Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services as the Section151 Officer. The Group Director advised that the local government pension scheme is one of the largest defined benefit schemes in the world with pension and wider scheme benefits for members defined in legislation and regulation. He added that the contents of the report do not impact on these benefits. Of the 80,000 members of the RCT Pension Fund, 25,000 being contributing, 23,000 being pensioners and their dependents and 32,000 deferred members. The RCT Fund is currently valued at £4.8 billion. The Group Director explained that across England and Wales there are 87 pension funds, eight of which are in Wales. In 2015 the Government required the 87 pension funds to consolidate their investments into 8 investment pools with the view to deriving benefits of scale, improve cost efficiency and encouraging more investment into UK infrastructure. There are currently 8 such investment pools, one of which is the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP) which was established by the 8 Welsh Funds. The WPP has operated effectively since its formation with over 74% of Wales’s investment now pooled and a range of investment products now available which includes sustainable options including options for local and inward investment into Wales. The WPP is overseen by a Joint Governance Committee made up of the 8 Pension Fund chairs which all 8 Councils agreed in 2017. The Group Director explained that in November 2024, UK Government launched a consultation entitled ‘Fit for the Future’ on the Local Government Pension Scheme. This consultation required all pools to be themselves Financial Conduct Authority or FSA regulated entities or companies with Funds delegating all investment strategy implementation and taking advice on their investment strategy from the company alongside any non-pool assets transferring to under pool management. In order to boost LGPS local investments and growth to the UK economy, administering authorities are going to be required to set out their approach to local investments including a target range for the allocation. Finally, strengthening of governance including requirements with regards to skills and knowledge of committee members and requiring funds to undertake independent biennial reviews to consider whether administering authorities are fully equipped to undertake their responsibilities. The timeline for implementation of these proposals was 31st March 2026. The Group Director advised that the consultation recognised the fact that the WPP operated in a devolved nation but it was invited to consider the merits of either creating its own company or joining with another pool in order to meet the government requirements of being an FCA regulated entity. The Welsh Funds proposed to create a stand-alone regulated company for Welsh investments, there being many compelling benefits for retaining its own pool for Wales, including the ability to target local investment opportunities within Wales where they are available, enabling to lift and shift the current procured model into the company for it to be transitioned to alternative in-house provision over time. Creating a significant regulated investment management company for Wales and in Wales creating jobs and career opportunities and the enhancing the financial services sector in Wales. It recognises the devolved nation within which we operate, with for example the requirements of the Welsh Language Act, Well-being of Future Generations Act, Corporate Joint Committees and the specific audit regime in Wales. A company who will deliver the shared beliefs and responsible investments of the Welsh funds and its stakeholders and it would avoid the costly move into another pool contract terminations around £45M of transition costs associated with moving investments into another pool. The Group Director added that the creation of a new entity will come at a cost estimated to be around £7m at day one, increasing as the company scales up its activities. This includes staffing costs, and a number of senior management function roles which are a specific requirement of the FCA. There will off-setting savings across funds which, over time, are likely to increase as the existing procured external provider model transition to more function being delivered internally by the company itself. These costs will be shared across the 8 funds across Wales and to note it will be a cost to the pension fund and not to the Councils own budget. The Group Director explained the importance of putting these costs into context and the total investment which will be under the management of the new company will be in excess of £20B. For the proposal being set out and submitted to Government for the creation of a stand-alone, FCA regulated company for Wales was approved by Ministers as satisfying Government requirement. Government have subsequently issued their final report and on the 5th June laid their Pensions Scheme Bill before Parliament which will put their requirements on a legislative footing. It affirmed the 31st March 2026 implementation date and its also worthy of note that 2 of the existing pools of the 8 across the UK did not meet the requirements of government and they must now join another pool, as collectively or individually as funds within them. The Government have also introduced powers to enable them to mandate that funds join a pool. The Group Director advised that this report formally sets out the proposal fully, it has been considered by the Pension Fund Committee who have endorsed and support its presentation to Council. The recommendations which Council is asked to consider are set out at section 2 which firstly to authorise the steps necessary to implement the proposals, namely, to create a new company of which the Council will be a shareholder, for that company to apply to the FCA for authorisation and for senior management function roles to be recruited to as is a requirement of the FCA. The Group Director concluded that attached to the report is an updated WPP Business Plan which includes details of some of the enabling and preparatory work and costs associated with the project at around £2.9M which includes legal costs, specialist compliance support and investment consultancy and Council is asked to approve the updated business plan. Finally, to authorise the Section 151 officer in consultation with the Pension Fund Chair to progress the project in line with the Government timeline and alongside the other administering authorities in Wales and delegating final approval of documentation which is required to enable for the new company to go live to the Pension Fund Committee. There followed a discussion whereby the Group Director responded to questions. The Group Leaders welcomed the pension briefing session held for members’ information in advance of the Council meeting. Following consideration of the report, it was RESOLVED: 1. To note the WPP Fit for the Future Business Case previously considered by the Pension Fund Committee on the 24th March 2025 (Appendix 3 and section 7); 2. To approve the formation of a corporate entity wholly owned by the WPP Administering Authorities (AAs) to be the WPP Investment Management Company (IMCo.) and all other actions necessary to submit an application to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for the authorisation of the IMCo. including but not limited to the selection and recruitment of Senior Management Function (SMF) roles as required by the FCA and the preparation and submission of the application to the FCA (Section 8); 3. Approve the revised WPP Business Plan & budget 25/26 which includes design/enabling costs for Project Snowdon (Appendix 5 and Section 9); 4. Authorise the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director for Finance, Digital and Frontline Services, in consultation with the Pension Fund Committee Chair to progress Project Snowdon alongside WPP Administering Authorities (AAs) in line with the Government timetable and within the approved budget; and 5. Delegate the final approval of the final formal documentation required for IMCo. to be operational, described as “Go Live Work” as outlined in Section 10, to the Pension Fund Committee to give effect to the WPP Fit for the Future Business Case.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to agree the recommendation from the Council’s VER Panel, to approve the Chief Officer severance package (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report) in accordance with the Council’s approved 2025/26 Pay Policy statement.
Following a recommendation from the Council’s Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Panel, the Director of Legal and Democratic Services advised that Council approval was sought for a Chief Officer severance package (as detailed in the report) in accordance with the Council’s approved 2025/26 Pay Policy statement. The Director referred Members to section 3 of the report which set out the statutory guidance issued by the Welsh Government under Section 40 of the Localism Act 2011 which recommends that full Council approve severance packages over £100,000, to section 5 which sets out the contractual employment matters and section 6 which refers to the Council’s Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Panel which met and approved the application in June. Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to agree the recommendation from the Council’s VER Panel, to approve the Chief Officer severance package (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report) in accordance with the Council’s approved 2025/26 Pay Policy statement.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
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 Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers and K Johnson). Following further discussion in respect of the substantive motion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the substantive motion. (Note: The following names were recorded as abstaining from voting on the substantive Notice of Motion: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers and K Johnson)
To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion which was submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1 and received by the Proper Officer, standing in the names of County Borough Councillors: M. Webber, A. Morgan, 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. Between April 2024 and March 2025, over 16,634 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship across Rhondda Cynon Taf, with 5,793 of these provided for children. Whilst this figure represents a 7.7% decrease in the number of emergency food parcels distributed since the new UK Labour Government took office, many residents are still struggling to make ends meet. As a local authority, we recognise that some positive progress has been made by the UK Government, alongside the Welsh Labour Government towards ending mass reliance on foodbanks. From the UK Government’s commitment in the autumn budget to reducing Universal Credit debt repayment deductions from 25% to 15%, to the Welsh Government’s delivery of free breakfasts for all primary school pupils, we recognise the clear drive to support families and low-income households. However, research by the Taff Ely Foodbank, Trussell and Joseph Rowntree Foundation through their ‘Guarantee our Essentials’ campaign continues to present the case that Universal Credit is failing to keep people out of deep poverty, with benefits often falling well below what’s needed to afford essentials. This Council, in partnership with local organisations, plays a vital role in tackling food insecurity and promoting dignity in access to food. We remain of the view that all residents should be able to afford the essentials such as food, heating, and basic hygiene, and therefore acknowledge the merits of the Guarantee our Essentials campaign. Therefore, this Council resolves: · To support the UK Government’s commitment to reviewing Universal Credit, tackling poverty, and ending mass reliance on emergency food parcels, in alignment with the goals of the Essentials Guarantee campaign. · To lend its support for the Leader of the Council’s intention to write to the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and to our local Parliamentary and Senedd representatives, to express this Council’s support for an Essentials Guarantee. · To continue to support residents in crisis, including through existing council hardship schemes, partnership work with food banks, and access to benefits advice. 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: Sera Evans, K. Morgan, D. Grehan, H Gronow, A. O. Rogers, A. Ellis and P. Evans: The amended motion read: Between April 2024 and March 2025, over 16,634 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship across Rhondda Cynon Taf, with 5,793 of these provided for children. Whilst this figure represents a 7.7% decrease in the number of emergency food parcels distributed since the new UK Labour Government took office, many residents are still struggling to make ends meet. As a local authority, we recognise that some positive progress has been made by the UK Government, alongside the Welsh Labour Government towards ending mass reliance on foodbanks. Albeit, if the UK Government proceed with the changes to PIP and Disability Allowance criteria which is being debated early next month it is certainly more likely than not, that demand for foodbanks will increase to pre-2024 levels because of the estimated number of claimants in RCT who will suffer financial detriment by the changes. Despite the UK Government’s commitment in the autumn budget to reducing Universal Credit debt repayment deductions from 25% to 15%,and the Welsh Government’s delivery of free breakfasts for all primary school pupils, who are able to access them, whilstwe recognise the clear drive to support families and low-income households this may prove to be woefully inadequate. Research by the Taff Ely Foodbank, Trussell and Joseph Rowntree Foundation through their ‘Guarantee our Essentials’ campaign continues to present the case that Universal Credit is failing to keep people out of deep poverty, with benefits often falling well below what’s needed to afford essentials. This Council, in partnership with local organisations, plays a vital role in tackling food insecurity and promoting dignity in access to food. We remain of the view that all residents should be able to afford the essentials such as food, heating, and basic hygiene, and therefore support the immediate adoption and delivery of the Guarantee our Essentials criteria by the UK Government when determining Universal benefit. Therefore, this Council resolves: · To support the UK Government’s commitment to reviewing Universal Credit, tackling poverty, and ending mass reliance on emergency food parcels, by urging them to adopt and deliver the Guarantee our Essentials criteria when determining Universal Credit benefit. · That the Leader of the Council urgently notifies the Prime Minister and the First Minister of Wales of the Council's decision with a specific request that they notify their relevant Cabinet Members of this Councils' position. That the Leader also writes to all MP's and MS's that represent constituencies in Rhondda Cynon Taf respectfully asking them to support the Councils' decision during debates that are considering benefit changes and their effect on our residents and services. ·To continue to support residents in crisis, including through existing council hardship schemes, partnership work with food banks, and access to benefits advice. 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 Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers and K Johnson). Following further discussion in respect of the substantive motion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the substantive motion. (Note: The following names were recorded as abstaining from voting on the substantive Notice of Motion: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers and K Johnson)
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