Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 22nd October 2025 as an accurate reflection of the meeting subject to the following statement of correction delivered by the Leader in respect of his comments made during the Notice of Motiondebate at Full Council on the 22nd October 2025. The Leader wished to clarify that the decision he referenced as a point of order, during discussion of the Notice of Motion, would not have been circulated to Elected Members via email due to it being undertaken at an operational level, as would be the case if this funding had been approved by Key Decision.
RESOLVED: (a) To approve and note the Statement of Accounts for Rhondda Cynon Taf Pension Fund (Appendix 1), and associated Letter of Representation incorporating responses to the Audit Enquiries Letter (Appendix 2). (b) To note the considerations and outcome of the 16th September 2025 Governance and Audit Committee meeting as required by the Local Government Measure (paragraph 7.2).
RESOLVED to note the content of the report.
RESOLVED to note the Annual Report of the Democratic Services Committee for the Municipal Year 2024/2025.
RESOLVED to adopt the Notice of Motion.
RESOLVED to agree the following Resolution: “That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 and 13 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act.
The Presiding Officer 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 7. 2024/25 Statement of Accounts and Audit Report for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Pension Fund The Director of Legal & Democratic Services: “We will record a blanket personal declaration for all those Members who are present and a member of the LGPS (including family members)” The Director of Legal & Democratic Services also wished to make a personal declaration of interest on behalf of all Officers in relation to the item. Councillor L Addiscott, Councillor M Ashford, Councillor J Barton, Councillor R Bevan, Councillor P Binning, Councillor J Bonetto, Councillor S Bradwick, Councillor J Brencher, Councillor G Caple, Councillor J Cook, Councillor A Crimmings, Councillor S J Davies, Councillor R Davis, Councillor A Dennis, Councillor V Dunn, Councillor J Edwards, Councillor J Elliott, Councillor S Emanuel, Councillor R Evans, Councillor P Evans, Councillor Sera Evans, Councillor Sheryl Evans, Councillor A Fox, Councillor H Gronow, Councillor B Harris, Councillor S Hickman, Councillor G Holmes, 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 C Middle, Councillor A Morgan OBE, Councillor K Morgan, Councillor N Morgan, Councillor S Morgans, Councillor M Norris, Councillor W Owen, Councillor D Parkin, Councillor M Powell, Councillor C Preedy, Councillor S Rees, Councillor W Rees, Councillor A Roberts, Councillor A O Rogers, Councillor J Smith, Councillor G Stacey, Councillor B Stephens, 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 R Williams, Councillor T Williams, Councillor R Yeo. Other declarations relating to Item 7. 2024/25 Statement of Accounts and Audit Report for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Pension Fund: Councillor G Caple – “I am currently as a Councillor, paying contributions, via my salary, to the LGPS. I am also in receipt of a LGPS pension in respect of my previous employment with the former Rhondda BC and RCT CBC”. Councillor A Crimmings – “Personal Interest as I am in the RCT Pension Fund” Councillor S Bradwick – “I receive a pension from RCT Council and I am a member of the scheme” Councillor G Warren – “My husband is in receipt of a pension from RCT” Councillor C Leyshon – “I declare a personal interest as I am a member of the RCT pension fund which is paid out of my salary”.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 22nd October 2025 as an accurate reflection of the meeting subject to the following statement of correction delivered by the Leader in respect of his comments made during the Notice of Motiondebate at Full Council on the 22nd October 2025. The Leader wished to clarify that the decision he referenced as a point of order, during discussion of the Notice of Motion, would not have been circulated to Elected Members via email due to it being undertaken at an operational level, as would be the case if this funding had been approved by Key Decision.
The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on the 22nd October 2025 as an accurate reflection of the meeting subject to the following statement of correction delivered by the Leader in respect of his comments made during the Notice of Motiondebate at Full Council on the 22nd October 2025. The Leader wished to clarify that the decision he referenced as a point of order, during discussion of the Notice of Motion, would not have been circulated to Elected Members via email due to it being undertaken at an operational level, as would be the case if this funding had been approved by Key Decision.
Ø Councillor L Tomkinson wished to reflect on the recent, sad passing of Wendy Morgan, a former councillor of the Authority and active in supporting women in politics. She led a full and colourful life including her painting which was her true passion. She was a much loved person and will be greatly missed by her daughter Ellen. Cllr Tomkinson concluded by saying Wendy’s contributions to the council and community will not be forgotten The Presiding Officer led a minutes’ silence in memory of Wendy Morgan. Ø Councillor M Ashford announced that Harri Deaves from Pontyclun had been selected to join the first rugby team for Wales. He recently played against the All Blacks and will also face South Africa at the next game. He congratulated Harri on his success and wished him well for his forthcoming game. Ø Councillor A Roberts announced that Osbornes, a family run business from Gilfach Goch who have their main business based in Tonypandy, has been awarded the gold medal in the Business of the Year awards for the second year running. Ø Councillor Sheryl Evans presented a petition on behalf of her residents in Aberaman to request that the Council consider the establishment of a Community Centre in Aberaman.
Statement from the Leader of the Council: The Leader of the Council, Councillor A Morgan OBE, commended the decision of the UK Government who announced today that they will pay the surplus to the British coal staff superannuation scheme (BCSSS) in the pensions of the former mineworkers. He added that the UK Government will transfer the investment reserve fund in the BCSSS to the scheme’s trustees, this will be paid out as an additional pension to members of the scheme and will see £1.97B transferred this year with further payments over the next five years. The Leader commented that this will ‘right the wrong’ in last year’s budget meaning that billions of pounds will be rightly returned to those who should benefit. He wished to place on record that the Council supported the campaign and passed notices of motions in support of the issue and he praised the efforts of all those who have lobbied and campaigned in the background to bring about the change.
1.Question from County Borough Councillor J. Bonetto to the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor M. Webber BEM: “Will the Deputy Leader please provide an update on the current uptake of our apprenticeship and graduate schemes and outline how this administration is progressing on its commitment to create at least 150 opportunities over the course of this council term?” Response of Councillor M Webber BEM: Councillor Webber thanked Councillor Bonetto for her question and added that she intended on keeping her comments brief as she had mentioned the Council’s apprenticeship and graduate scheme during the last Council meeting. Councillor Webber was pleased to confirm that the Council has not only met but exceeded the manifesto target set in 2022, with 132 apprenticeship positions filled and 65 graduate posts. This means that the Council is currently 47 posts above target. She added that since the apprenticeship scheme began in 2012, up until 2024, 100% of apprentices achieved their full qualification framework, 93% secured employment once their scheme finished, with over 79% securing employment within the Council, while others went into further learning. Councillor Webber explained that for the Council’s graduate programme, an incredible 95% of posts since 2016 are still in employment with the Council, many of which are now in management or senior positions. Councillor Webber advised that there have been some incredible success stories from this programme,and as one of the largest employers in the local area, the Council recognises the importance of creating high-quality, well-paid jobs with learning opportunities for its residents. The Council has created an offer unrivalled offer across Wales, and next week some of the EET team will be going to London to formally accept the Princess Royal Training Award for the Council’s fantastic Apprenticeship and Graduates schemes. Supplementary question from Councillor J Bonetto: “Can the Deputy Leader confirm if there will be another intake and if so when?” Response of Councillor M Webber BEM: Councillor Webber explained that expression of interest forms are currently out to all service areas across the Council for the next intake of Graduates and forms will be going out for Apprentices in December. She added that Graduate posts will go live at the end of January/start of February for a September start and Apprenticeship posts will go live in April for a September start. 2.Question from County Borough Councillor G. Stacey to the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings: “Whilst the Home to School transport changes still see RCT Council offering one of the most generous provisions in Wales, there have obviously been a number of concerns raised. Can the Cabinet Member please relay what measures have been put in place to lessen the impacts of these changes?” Response of Councillor A Crimmings: Councillor Crimmings advised that to support students’ travel to school, the Council has worked closely with commercial bus operators to enhance services at a number of locations. It has identified opportunities to increase public bus services, adjust timetables to better align with school start and finish times, and re-routed services to connect more directly with schools and local communities. Where this has been possible, service changes have been introduced to provide additional opportunities for the public in getting to school. Additionally, Councillor Crimmings explained that through utilisation of Wesh Government Shared Prosperity Funding, the Council was able to introduce the £1 Young Persons Travel scheme for 5- to 15-year-olds two months prior to the Welsh Government national rollout. The Council has also allocated a £100,000 hardship fund to secondary schools to support schools and families, as poverty can impact anyone. There was no supplementary question The Presiding officer announced that question three would fall due to an apology given by Councillor G Hughes. 4.Question from County Borough Councillor S. Trask to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader outline what support the council is making available to elderly residents to help them through the winter months?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan confirmed that any person can ask for support at any time for an RCT resident via the Resident Support Pathway which was established in 2020. He added that this has provided support to over 650 people this year alone. Councillor Morgan explained that 14 partners to the Pathway and residents can seek support across a number of areas - from information and advice about money and benefits to support with basic needs such as food and fuel. He advised that details of the support available and access to the simple online form/contact details can be found on the Resident Support pages of the Council’s website, however, older people may also find the help they need close to home within many local community venues established as Safe and Warm Spaces. Councillor Morgan explained that RCT has 109 Safe and Warm Spaces this year and each Safe & Warm space provides a package of support for residents which as a minimum includes the following: • Open access to a safe, warm venue/activities, information & advice/hot drinks alongside food or snacks/a place to charge mobile devices. Councillor Morgan added that of course, many venues provide much more than the minimum (e.g. full cooked meals). The dedicated web page includes the list of current Safe and Warm Spaces, who can be contacted directly. He explained that over the last 3 years the numbers of Safe & Warm spaces in RCT hasincreased year on year. Councillor Morgan advised that in 2025/2026 the largest number of safe and warm spaces were established to date, with a 53.5% increase since 2022-2023. Venues delivered over 1,600 sessions of support or activities to over 4,500 people in 24/25, which included over 800 children. Supplementary question from Councillor S. Trask: “Will the Leader be writing to his good friends in Cardiff Bay to impress upon them the necessity of improving local government settlements in the Welsh Government’s up and coming budget so we are able to ensure, as much as possible of the extra tax burden goes back to the people we represent rather than wasting it on pet projects in the Senedd and so we can support people with all the things that they do need?” Response of Councillor A. Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan confirmed that he had already signed the letter in his role as Leader of the WLGA and of RCT Council to the WG negotiating publicly and through press releases around the final settlement and he added that he is still hopeful that the final settlement will be in excess of 4%. This would mean working collectively with the government and with cross party consensus, which he hoped would be viable. The Leader explained that the extra £500K is a mixture of capital and revenue over a 3 year period on top of the step up of funding mentioned in the previous spending review. The Leader hoped the final settlement would be improved and that it would contribute to keep RCT Council Tax to one of the lowest increases in Wales, as has been the case for a decade. 5. Question from County Borough Councillor M. Powell to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: "Could the Leader explain how financial decisions on where to cut or reduce or make efficiency savings are made and how much is spent on statutory and non-statutory expenditure, please?" Response of Councillor A. Morgan OBE: The Leader explained that the Council does not hold its budget in a format that separates spend into “statutory” and “non statutory” services and he added that defining services simply as “statutory” or “non statutory” is not always helpful and when the Council looks at budgets it looks more around the 650 services and about prioritisation. Councillor Morgan advised that councils have a duty to provide a range of services – including education, safeguarding and social care, adult social care, waste collection, planning and housing, road maintenance, and library services. He added that there are lots of areas that are non-statutory such as school crossing patrols which are vital and shows the budget cannot be considered by statutory and non-statutory. Supplementary question from Councillor M. Powell: “What alternative cuts to council provisions were considered against the implementation of the recent reduction in home to school transport which could impact on services such as Resilient Families and school crossings?” Response of Councillor A. Morgan OBE: The Leader explained that to offset the cost of the HTST changes would require cuts to other areas worth around £3M (such as closing 4 leisure centres which would impact on public health and well-being provision). The Leader added that in most cases the Council goes over the statutory provision but it has to be a balanced decision with everything taken into consideration. The Leader welcomed an alternative budget proposal to be brought forward by the Councillor’s Group through the Budget Policy Framework, which is available to all Members but which he noted had not been done to date. He concluded that all Members have the same opportunities to speak to Council Officers and the Budget Policy framework is also available to all to use to bring forward a budget proposal. 6.Question from County Borough Councillor W. Hughes to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, County Borough Councillor M. A. Norris: “Can the Cabinet Member please provide an update on the uptake of the Council’s Town Centre Maintenance Grant?” Response of Councillor M Norris: Councillor Norris responded by explaining that the Town Centre Minor Improvements Scheme supports local business in the key town centres to improve and maintain their shopfront areas to make them more inviting to customers and visitors and also providing an attractive local street scene. He added that since the current scheme opened in April 2023 (funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund), 74 properties have benefited from financial support so far, totalling almost £112,000. Councillor Norris advised that the improvements have contributed to a positive impact on the street scene, making a more attractive, vibrant and safer environment, with the long-term aim of increasing retail spend and stimulating further private sector investment across the town centres. He concluded that the scheme is still open, and we welcome further enquiries and interest from business owners in RCT. There was no supplementary question The Presiding officer announced that question seven would fall due to an apology given by Councillor S. Powderhill. 8.Question from County Borough Councillor L. Addiscott to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “The opening of the A465 is a welcome and significant step forward for the Heads of the Valleys in improving the Economic development of the area. The Cynon Gateway is key to further enhancing economic development of the Cynon Valley. Can the Leader of the Council please update on progress of the Cynon Gateway?” Response of Councillor A Morgan: Councillor Morgan reassured Members that progress is being made in this respect and advised that the project team are advancing the scheme and recently carried out a market engagement event to provide the opportunity for contractors and designers to meet with the RCT client team who will be making key appointments to support the scheme delivery. The intention is that they are progressing toward issuing the tender in early January/February. He added that a further update would be made at that point. There was no supplementary question due to the lapse of the allotted time.
The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications commented on the Forward Work Programme, he reminded Council that further to notification recently emailed to all Members, the January council meeting will be held on the 21st January 2026. He also advised that in respect of the 3 month cycle of business, the current position is that the meeting in December 2025 will not be held but this would continue to be reviewed.
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2 the Presiding Officer invited the Leader to address Council following which the Leader would respond to Members’ questions on his Annual Report. The Leader of the Council intended to provide an update on as many of the 650 services provided by the Council as possible, with the specific intention of highlighting some of the key points over the past 12 months. The Leader provided updates on key areas: Waste / Recycling Services The Leader advised that the Council continues to collect more weekly dry mixed recycling than any Welsh Local Authority and it has achieved a provisional Q1 2025/2026 recycling rate of 76% which is the highest in Wales. He added that during the last 12 months the Council has seen a 11% increase in dry recycling, a 17% increase in food waste recycled and has collected 33% less black bag waste. Highways and Transportation Major Projects & Metro? The Leader advised that the Council has continued the programme of Park & Ride enhancements with the Treorchy Park & Ride (with TfW) completed and now in use and with a further phase of Porth Park and Ride under review. With regards to the A4119 Dualling, construction is complete and the major Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor and Cynon Gateway projects continue to progress to the next stages with positive public feedback. A further £5M has been allocated to those two projects. The Rhondda Fach Community route final phase is also progressing well. Coal Tips – which is one of a number of significant risks for the local authority The Leader advised that the Council has secured over £11.4m funding for 2025/2026 from the Welsh Government Coal Tip Safety Grant for a 1-year programme of works (completion March 2026). Funding can be used on major interventions or on smaller works such as drainage repairs, vegetation and other maintenance schemes undertaken as well as trial and implementation of new remote monitoring instrumentation on tips. The Leader advised that a new round of grant bids is due to be submitted shortly for next year Flood Risk Management – again is a high-risk area for the County The Leader commented on the 2025/2026 programme the Council is progressing with over 41 projects and stages - over £6.8m total programme value, with £5.8m Welsh Government funding with around £1M of match funding and a further £1.5m of grant funding secured in 2025/2026 for Resilient Roads projects which is spent on flood alleviation. The Leader referred to the remote monitoring system for culverts and watercourses has expanded to almost 80 locations and continuing to expand linked to Emergency control room. For 2026/2027 programme there will be an estimated 17 grant applications to Welsh Government for small scale projects and major project stages (approx. £5.9m) next month. If these works are approved, they would also benefit an estimated 1,793 properties. Drainage/Flood Alleviation With regards to the SAB Team the Leader advised that some 271 sustainable drainage applications have been reviewed and approved since January 2019 with an increased green infrastructure within developments. He added that there is a huge programme of works to upgrade culvert inlets, headwalls, trash grilles, drainage modifications and repairs at locations across RCT, with extra funding secured following Storm Bert. Capital Programme and Infrastructure The Leader advised that the Council has successfully reduced its roads in poor quality from almost 15% to under 5% over the last 12 years across the following key areas, 169 carriageways and 31 footways improved over the last year, improved & adopted 33 unadopted roads - since the scheme was introduced just over 5 years ago, retaining wall schemes completed at Avon Street (Ferndale); Brook Street (Britannia, Porth) with work ongoing at the A4058 opposite Britannia and work completed Gadlys Gardens (Aberdare). He added that two footbridge replacements have been completed at Llantwit Fardre and Beddau with ongoing major schemes on bridges at Clifton Row (Porth), and the Afon Cynon bridge by ASDA in Cwmbach. Education The Leader was pleased to report that good progress has been made against the successful Estyn inspection in 2023 and its 3 recommendations for the Education Directorate. He added that 14 core school inspections took place during the 2024/2025 academic year which was again positive with 12 schools not placed in follow-up, there followed 9 interim visits and 10 good practice spotlights. The Leader advised that only 4 of the Council’s 111 school are currently in a statutory follow up with Estyn. A draft 4-year Strategic Plan is to be considered by Cabinet shortly and the new school improvement service was established in September. He explained that with 33 Registered Education Provider settings in the early years, inspection outcomes have been consistently good or excellent in recent years. The Leader referred to the KS 4 & KS 5 exam outcomes which have shown better performance than pre-pandemic levels and advised that gaps with all-Wales results are narrowing. He stressed that continuing to accelerate this progress will be a priority going forward as well as continuing to support vulnerable learners through wellbeing initiatives and new facilities, such as the 3-classrom extension at Maesgwyn that opened in September. The New Learner Support Classes also delivered via grant funding; as well as new satellite base of Hen Felin, which opened in April. The Leader commented on the SHEP which has been delivered in 15 schools, including 2 special schools. The Pilot Hardship Grant for secondary aged learners has seen each school awarded £5,000 to support overcoming barriers to attendance / engagement. Permanent exclusions are down 51.7% and the number of days lost is also down 23.5%; the Junior Apprenticeship scheme has been praised by learners. The Leader advised that Primary attendance in the last year up +0.7%, with Secondary attendance up +1.2%. In addition, Family Engagement Officers are now in 34 schools, with 5 more joining. The Council has also been successful using the Multiply funding to run 196 courses, engaging 1,077 parents with £500k invested to boost family numeracy skills. Two new Welsh Medium schools have opened (£30M) along with two new ALN provisions. Year 1 Welsh Medium learners also up by almost 2 percentage points. 21st Century Schools Programme The Leader referred to the latest approved new school investment programme of over £444m to be delivered over next 7-8 years, building on the significant programme to date. The new ALN school is being delivered at Clydach Vale and with the ALN education still a significant pressure, the Council continues to invest where possible. Community Focussed Schools / Sports Investment The Leader confirmed the secured funding of £1.659M this year to support expansion of 9 community facilities. At Bryncelynnog School, a new sports hall, changing rooms and grass pitch have been delivered. The new 3G pitch has been delivered at Bro Taf. Planned Capital Programme A total of £4.5m this financial year has been committed to provide new toilets, improvements to play areas, roof replacements / new heating and electrical systems within schools across the Borough. Regeneration & Town Centres The Council has £6m investment portfolio until March 2026, supporting businesses and growth which stimulates future private investment. Since April 2022: 3-year delivery 218 grants have been awarded to businesses via the Business Growth & Town Centre Minor Improvements Grants respectively (£1.42m approved, £937k private investment). 32 major property & commercial improvement projects have been awarded in town centres and key locations, leveraging approximately £4.6m in grant from WG and attracting £2.9m in private investment. The Leader provided a number of examples of completed projects such as the Pencelli Hotel redevelopment in Treorchy, the former Barclays Bank in Tonypandy, and the Old Rates Building now Coco’s in Aberdare. Town Centres The Leader referred to the town centre strategy and BID work which is ongoing in the town centres such as Pontypridd, Aberdare and Tonypandy In Pontypridd there has been significant regeneration in the town. The market in Pontypridd now has a waiting list for stalls and the town has a low number of empty properties in the town with more private sector investment is coming into the town. Social Care The Leader commented that this service is less visible but hugely important service and represents another priority service area under pressure and comes with risks. Adult Services The Leader alluded to the ongoing demand and complex caseload. For example between April and September 2025 579 people received a reablement service, 57% of these either fully or more independent at the end of the programme. 1,464 people receive home care with 17,710 total weekly hours of care with the Council providing 128 beds in extra care, with more in specialist care home placement, 569 receiving a Direct Payment to manage their own care and support. There continues to be Cabinet commitment for capital investment for adults needing supported accommodation which is unprecedented and the Council is making progress with both Extra Care & residential such as Dan Y Mynydd & Learning Disability care home at Bronllwyn which is due to open in 2026. The Leader referred to plans which are progressing for the extra care and dementia residential complex in Mountain Ash and the dementia residential care home in Ferndale and the Council is currently going through the tender process to secure a partner RSL to progress the supported accommodation and day centre development for people with learning disabilities at Garth Olwg. Children’s Services The Leader advised that this is another area which is under significant pressure. In the past year, the Council has responded to 28,372 contacts. At the end of March, over 2,034 children had a care and support plan. Resilient Families continues to support families to stay out of the statutory service. He referred to the Youth Justice Services’ Right Hook project has won a Youth engagement and Participation award. The Safeguarding Board has improved responses to the exploitation of children, strengthening our ability to coordinate efforts to improve safety. RCT foster carers have stepped up once again - looking after more children and reducing our reliance on commissioned services. Leisure, Parks and Play Areas Leisure The Leader was pleased to announce that there are over 11k monthly Leisure for Life members consistently during 2024/2025 including 3,500 junior swim memberships. There is a new and well used astro turf pitch installed at Afon Wen School - which is the first stage of the development of hockey hub. The Council has also refurbished changing rooms are also due to open for use in Dec 2025. There is a new £400k fitness gym refurbishment at Rhondda Sports Centre where customer visits and membership have surpassed all previous totals. Further £400k capital investment across all leisure facilities improving building aesthetics with refurbishment of Abercynon’s gym underway and replacement of equipment and alterations to the gym space. Play Areas The Leader advised that almost 50% of the 18 play area refurbishment projects (combined £595k allocation) for this year complete or have contractors on site. Over 160 play areas have been improved, upgraded or completely renewed over the last decade. Skate Parks & MUGAs This year the Gelligaled and Beddau skate parks are scheduled for renewal and the Leader paid thanks to Councillor A Crimmings for her work meeting with residents and community groups who have made representations. Carbon Reduction & Energy Energy Support The Leader advised that from start of SPF Funding and up to the end of September 2025: 152 Solar PV and 407 Heating Grants have been completed. The Council received 321 applications for ECO 4 Flex, with ongoing applications continuing to be received. National Empty Homes Grant Scheme: 96 homes have been brought back in to use (404 across Wales). All homes will have benefited from a form of energy efficiency measure as part of the grant. The Council is taking forward planning applications submitted for Hydro-electric schemes at Treforest Weir & Dare Valley - other potential schemes undergoing feasibility. Areas of Focus The Leader acknowledged the key areas of focus going forward such as Budget pressures and planning where financial forecasts remain uncertain, provisional settlement is a little better than feared but it will hopefully improve by the Final Settlement (hopefully around 4% or above). Continuing to Respond to Climate Change The Leader advised that the Council continues to work on the programme of flood alleviation schemes, those that are ongoing and forthcoming. He added that the Council has already taken action to try and protect thousands of properties and this work is continuing as the Council continues to bid for funding for schemes that will make a difference. Alongside this, the Council will continue to work with partners such as Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales who are also FRM Authorities for action and improvements. Hyper-local & Visible Issues In conclusion the Leader stressed the importance of focussing on those hyper-local and visible issues which form the majority of casework for Members. The Leader referred to the number of inspections over the past year – Estyn, Care Inspectorate Wales, Audit Wales and the draft Performance Panel Assessment report, all of which have been extremely positive. He also referred to the good work being undertaken with other local authorities and other public sector organisations is paying off. The Leader commented that as a local authority, the Council is doing and achieving so much and he paid thanks to all Council staff. The Presiding Officer opened up questions to all Group Leaders and Members for a period of twenty minutes. The Opposition Group Leader, Councillor K Morgan responded to the Leader’s debate and referred to the Notices of Motion raised by the Plaid Cymru Group such as the urgent NOM regarding the withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment to Pensioners, a decision which was reversed by the UK Government. In February 2025, the Plaid Cymru Group tabled a NOM looking for justice for the WASPI women following the decision by UK Government not to award compensation despite the Ombudsman recommendation to the contrary. Further questions related to: More detail on any further bids relating to the coal tips and for the Leader’s view on the risks faced from the legacy issue and how those risks can be addressed through the Council’s future plans. Further information on the Council’s work around improving sports facilities and the commitment to the leisure and green space investment. Clarification on whether other local authorities are able to provide services at lower costs than this local authority. The Leader responded to the point raised by the Opposition Leader in respect of Notices of Motions, he clarified that the Labour Group supported the reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Payments and originally supported the WASPI Women under the previous Government and have continued to do so under this Government. The Leader confirmed that on numerous occasions there has been unanimous cross party support across the local authority for notices of motions, which he commented achieves a better outcome for RCT residents. He stressed that the Labour Group regularly lobby Welsh Government and the UK Government on a number of issues through letters, through the WLGA or directly to Ministers in Cardiff Bay and the Secretary of State. In respect of the coal tips, the Leader advised that this year the Council has received over £11M in funding and to date the Welsh Government has not declined any of the Council’s bids. He was also pleased that the Council has an effective, albeit small team, dealing with flood alleviation schemes which has improved the Council’s knowledge base and intervention measures. However, with heavy rainfall becoming a regular occurrence he stressed that the Council will continue to invest in flood alleviation measures to protect its communities. The Leader referred to other local authorities and what decisions had been made in relation to their Leisure Services/priorities. He commented on the number of 3G pitch facilities invested in over the last 10 years in RCT and the record levels of sustained investment with £2m spent this year alone, in addition to capital investment levering funding from WRU, FAW, Sports Collaboration Fund. He spoke of the high regard in which these organisations hold RCT as it is leading the way in sports investment. The Leader also added that in terms of the Council’s investment in Leisure, the Council’s own capital investment has resulted in an increasing leisure membership which has grown in line with the investment. He reminded Members that the Council has been able to keep services in house and provide value for money which in turn helps to keep council tax to its current level. A Member referred to the viability of Pontypridd with a vast number of successful events that have been held in the town recently and asked if similar events will continue to be held to enable the town to access external funding. Another Member referenced cyber attacks which have recently disrupted services across several English Councils and asked what the Council is doing to protect and safeguard against similar threats to protect data and services if there were to be a similar attack targeting this Council. What are the real priorities for this local authority at this present time? The Leader commented that keeping residents in RCT safe is one of the Council’s priorities through Children’s and Adult Social Services which are both high risk areas and also priority areas for the Council. In terms of Climate Change, the Leader stressed the importance of the Council reducing its carbon footprint which, through a number of energy efficiencies, has resulted in huge energy savings a year across its estates whilst reducing the Council’s carbon emissions by over 6,500 tonnes. He commented that the local authority infrastructure will require long term investment and maintenance and he has made the case to Welsh Government that continuing to make grants available to local authorities is vital. The Leader concurred that a series of successful events held in Pontypridd recently, including the National Eisteddfod, has brought revenue to the town, reduced empty properties and increased footfall. In response to the issue of potential cyber-attacks particularly on the public sector, the Leader agreed this is a source of concern which requires the vigilance of Members and Officers when opening emails and accessing external links, however the Council also has measures in place and several layers of protection to protect data and services. A Member thanked the staff responsible for the preparations in advance of Storm Claudia and sought further information on how the Council continues to evolve the ways in which it prepares for flood events. A Member sought further information on temporary classrooms and asked how much longer it will take to eradicate this situation. In response, the Leader advised that the 21st Century Schools funding is solely for the use of building new schools but there is an ongoing programme of removing the old style school buildings. He explained the general Capital Repairs Programme using a combination of CIL funding, 21st Century Schools funding and the Council’s own funding to build classroom extension blocks to support the removal of the temporary buildings as was the case in Hawthorn and Y Pant Schools. The Schools Risk Register and the assessments undertaken by Corporate Estates are evaluated for any risks and prioritised accordingly. The Leader placed on record his thanks to all the Senior Officers for all the preparation work they undertake in the background and in advance of weather warnings issued by NRW. He also advised of the additional dedicated flood alleviation staff in place who work year round to protect thousands of properties across RCT such as the staff that maintain and empty gulleys, CCTV crew, culvert crews and the thirty two dedicated maintenance drainage staff who protect thousands of additional properties. In conclusion, the Leader summarised the Council achievements over the past decade. Highways The Council’s highways have seen investment, since 2012, on 3,036 carriageways, 570 footways and with over 130 structures being improved. Major infrastructure schemes The Council has driven economic growth -Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link delivered. A4119 delivered. The Llys Cadwyn building redevelopment has been delivered. New Schools & 21st Century Schools The Council has worked with the Welsh Government to deliver 24 brand-new, state-of-the-art 21st Century Schools and facilities across the length and breadth of the County. Older People’s Care / Extra Care Older Peoples’ care has been transformed and modernised through the development of Extra Care facilities in Talbot Green, Aberaman and Pontypridd. Further facilities are progressing in Porth, Mountain Ash and Ferndale. Childcare Offer The Council rolled out the Welsh Government’s Childcare Offer, supplementing the Council’s own offer, one of the most generous in Wales. School Budgets The Council has protected Schools Budgets in line with its commitments – over the last decade, school funding has increased by 45% compared to overall funding increasing by 32%, that is equivalent to £18 Million+ additional schools funding. Since 2015/16 the Council has increased the ISB by £70.479m and means the ISB has risen from £141m in 2015/16 to £212.3m in 25/26 South Wales Metro The Council has played a key role supporting partners. There are new trains on the valley lines and the Taff’s Well depot / control centre has opened. Leisure, Sports facilities, Parks & Green spaces 16 3G pitch facilities have been invested in over the last 10 years, adhering to the Council’s commitment for one within a 3-mile radius of where any resident resides. Free School Meals Fast tracked the delivery of Free School Meals and the Council was one of, if not the first, Council in Wales to accelerate delivery. While breakfast clubs are now being rolled out in England, the breakfast clubs in Wales have existed for some time due to Welsh Labour Govt working with Local Authorities. Youth hub vehicles The Council has doubled number of youth hub vehicles, so the pledge has been honoured and delivered. EV Charging points Installed 132 EV charging bays at 92 locations to meet the growing demand for EV charging. Dedicated Memorials Officer & Budget Under Deputy’s Leadership the Council has seen significant investment in improving and upgrading Memorials, and a dedicated Officer been in post for some time been working to ensure they are digitalised and names added where necessary after detailed research. This was another pledge made and delivered by Labour Council. Real Living Wage One of the first Councils in Wales to be accredited as a Real Living Wage employer. Empty Properties The Council pledged to reduce the number in the County and was the first Council in Wales to run an empty properties scheme. It has operated so well that RCT was asked by Welsh Government to run their scheme for whole of Wales and the Council continues to lead on this. Directly supported 2,083 empty properties back into use since 2015/16 – Labour pledge made and delivered. Flood alleviation Invested over £100m in Flood Alleviation projects since Storm Dennis, helping to protect thousands of properties across RCT. Supporting towns and businesses Maintained & increased Town Centre Maintenance Grant. Also provided millions of funding to lever private investment and the Council is still one of, if not the only Council in Wales to provide support to small businesses with up to £500 towards rates over & above discounts Welsh Government provide. New MUGAs Not only has the Council delivered 4 so far, with 2 more to start shortly, it is shortly due to upgrade 2 new skate parks with further investment in skate parks next year. Apprentices & Graduates The Council committed to invest in 150 apprentices & graduate positions combined over this 5-year term and the Leader was pleased to say the Council has already exceeded this and about to go to advert on the next tranche. Recycling Target exceeding 70% and on course to do that this year which means that the council taxpayers’ money will be spent on services, not fines. Community Safety / PCSOs Commitment to create a dedicated team of Community Wardens and fund 10 PCSOs delivered. The Presiding Officer thanked the Leader for his debate and responses to Members
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) To approve and note the Statement of Accounts for Rhondda Cynon Taf Pension Fund (Appendix 1), and associated Letter of Representation incorporating responses to the Audit Enquiries Letter (Appendix 2). (b) To note the considerations and outcome of the 16th September 2025 Governance and Audit Committee meeting as required by the Local Government Measure (paragraph 7.2).
The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Corporate Resources advised that he had certified the draft 2024/25 Statement of Accounts and Audit Report for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Pension Fund on the 30th June 2025 and they have now been subject to the external audit process. He added that the fund was valued at £4.8B at the end of the last financial year. The draft accounts were reviewed by the Governance & Audit Committee in September of this year, which did not highlight any issues that would prevent Council from approving them. As is normal practice, the Deputy Chief Executive advised that a letter of representation has been requested by the Auditor General and is attached. Ms A King, Audit Manager, Audit Wales presented the RCT Pension Fund and referred to page 42 of the report to update on the remaining and outstanding work which has now been finalised in its entirety. The Audit Manager advised that outlined on page 44 of the report is the content of materiality and for the Pension Fund it is set at 1% of the gross asset base for the 2024/25 draft financial statement which is £47M and the reporting threshold is set at 5% materiality which is £2.4M. She explained that there is a lower set of materiality for areas that may be of interest, and for the accounts that is the Related Party Disclosures identified which has been set at £1M. Ms King advised that on page 43, a summary is presented which sets out the intention by Audit Wales to issue an unqualified opinion on the Pension Fund accounts this year with no significant matters to report. She confirmed there were no uncorrected misstatements that remain in the accounts and there were no recommendations raised as a result of their work. Ms King confirmed the intention to satisfy the accounts on the 28th November which is ahead of the deadline of the 30th November 2025. Ms King reiterated that there were no errors at all within the accounts, they were an extremely high quality set of accounts and she wished to thank RCT Officers for undertaking a very efficient process. Following consideration of the report, it was RESOLVED: (a) To approve and note the Statement of Accounts for Rhondda Cynon Taf Pension Fund (Appendix 1), and associated Letter of Representation incorporating responses to the Audit Enquiries Letter (Appendix 2). (b) To note the considerations and outcome of the 16th September 2025 Governance and Audit Committee meeting as required by the Local Government Measure (paragraph 7.2).
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to note the content of the report.
In accordance with the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director – Corporate Resources provided Members with information on the Council’s Treasury Management activity during the first six months of 2025/2026 and Prudential and Treasury Indicators for the same period. The Deputy Chief Executive advised that the key message contained within the report is that the Council continues to undertake its Treasury Management activities in line with and in compliance with its Prudential indicators and limits. The Council’s borrowing continues to be at levels well below its capital financing requirements or CFR which its underlying need to borrow. The Deputy Chief Executive advised that this maintains the under borrowed position which has been referenced for a number of years and which minimises the Council’s borrowing and takes maximum advantage of its internal cash and cash flows. The Deputy Chief Executive advised that the Council’s investment strategy continues to give priority to security over liquidity and finally yield. In conclusion, the Director advised that the economic outlook, interest rates, inflation and guilt yield movements does present challenges for the Council’s Treasury management activities but he assured Members that the Council’s low risk approach continues to serve it well. Following a discussion, the Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services responded to queries raised it was RESOLVED to note the content of the report.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to note the Annual Report of the Democratic Services Committee for the Municipal Year 2024/2025.
The Service Director, Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communication presented his report which provided Council with the Democratic Services Committee Annual Report for the 2024/2025 Municipal Year. Members received Councillor Will Jones, Chair of the Democratic Services Committee who whilst presenting the annual report referenced particular, important areas of work such as the cross party Notice of Motion Working Group and the review of the Council’s multi-location meeting policy. The Service Director, Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communication advised of future items identified to be included on the Democratic Services Committee forward work programme such as digital enhancements and confirmed that preparations are already underway by the Council Business Unit in respect of the Members’ induction process which would follow the forthcoming election in 2027. The Democratic Services Committee considered a report on the induction process and had indicated it is confident that the Democratic Services team has the necessary skillset to undertake the work required to support Members. It was RESOLVED to note the Annual Report of the Democratic Services Committee for the Municipal Year 2024/2025.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
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 County Borough Councillors R. Davis, A. S. Fox, 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, B. Harris, S. Hickman, G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, G. W. Hughes, W. Hughes, G. Jones, G. O. Jones, R. R. Lewis, C. Leyshon, M. Maohoub, C. Middle, A. Morgan, 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, M. Webber, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams and R. Yeo. Connectivity is an essential part of modern life and residents rightly expect to be able to access reliable mobile phone signal in the 21st Century. For many residents and communities in RCT, however, this is not the case, with many areas of the County suffering from poor connectivity and inconsistent coverage that leads to “not spots” for voice and data services. Independent coverage maps show variable 4G and 5G performance across the County Borough, with more upland areas particularly disadvantaged. Residents in communities right across the County such as Abercwmboi, Cwmbach, Porth, Penrhys, Llantrisant, Rhydyfelin and even Pontypridd are all known to be prone to phone signal issues and “dead spots.” This is, of course, often depending on the provider, but the point remains that coverage should be equal regardless of the Mobile Network Operator. Inconsistent coverage and unreliable connectivity presents a number of challenges for residents, businesses and emergency services – the most pressing concern is naturally around the reporting of emergencies where urgent medical attention is required. This can quite literally mean the difference between life and death. From an economic perspective, this can be disadvantageous for local businesses; whilst there are also wider community impacts around social inclusion. Wales ranks 3rd in the UK for both high confidence and very high confidence of 5G geographic coverage, some 20 percentage points behind England on both measures. A 2024 report found that coverage from all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) remains at very low levels, with 5G only available to less than 1% of Wales’s landmass at the Very High Confidence level. Whilst 4G geographic coverage in Wales has also increased since 2023, the same report found that at most, 89% of Wales has 4G coverage (range of coverage 83% - 89% up from 73% - 85% in 2023), despite it being an older technology and the main network provided by Mobile Network Operators. In Parliamentary constituency terms, both the Pontypridd and Rhondda and Ogmore constituencies were found to have a 4G geographic coverage from at least 1 MNO of 99%, and 4G geographic coverage from all MNOs of just 92% and 85%, respectively. This Council resolves to request: 1. The Council Leader to work with local MPs to lobby the mobile network providers to explore opportunities for infrastructure investment and improved coverage. 2. For the Leader to write to Ofcom to highlight the ongoing issues and request urgent action to improve mobile coverage in Rhondda Cynon Taf. It was RESOLVED to adopt the Notice of Motion.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to agree the following Resolution: “That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 and 13 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act.
RESOLVED to agree the following Resolution: “That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 12 and 13 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act.
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.