Wrthi'n llwytho
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RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the 8th June as an accurate reflection of the meeting.
RESOLVED to: 2.1 Agree on issues for inclusion on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Work Programme for the 2026-27 Municipal Year, as set out in Appendix A with appropriate amendments as necessary. 2.2. Agree that the Work Programme’s be reviewed as appropriate by the Chairs and Vice Chairs to ensure the items identified for inclusion are relevant and that any additional referrals are incorporated; including the identification of information reports. 2.3 Note the stakeholder engagement taken to date in relation to the formation of the draft work programme development and to authorise the Service Director Democratic Services and Communications, along with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review the feedback received following the public consultation on additional items for scrutiny consideration and to establish the best way forward in respect of the responses. 2.4. Consider and approve the following thematic scrutiny Committee Work Programmes as attached to the report (Appendix B, C and D respectively). • Community Services Scrutiny Committee • Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee • And Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee 2.5 Request that the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications notifies the appropriate Cabinet Members and responsible Officers, of the matters identified for pre-scrutiny in each of the Scrutiny Work Programmes in advance of Cabinet consideration; 2.6 Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications to publish the programmes on the relevant Council webpages and publicise to relevant stakeholders to promote further public engagement. 2.7 Amend the Draft Work Programmes as follows: · Early Education to be considered as a Joint item between Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee and Community Services Scrutiny Committee. · Safeguarding to be considered by Overview and Scrutiny Committee. · Active Travel to be considered by Overview and Scrutiny. The proposed changes, reflect the Terms of Reference for each Committee.
RESOLVED to: Scrutinise the role of the planning system in the assessment of planning applications submitted for the provision of HMOs within Rhondda Cynon Taf
RESOLVED to: • Scrutinise the Council’s financial and operational performance position as at 31st March 2026 (Quarter 4). • Consider whether they wish to scrutinise in greater depth any matters contained in the report in line with the Terms of Reference of the Committee. To consider School Exclusions in more detail under the appropriate Scrutiny Committee
In accordance with the code of conduct the following declarations were made: Councillor R Lewis declared a personal interest in item 3 and 4 as in his prior role as a Cabinet Member he had been involved in discussions which led to decisions being made on the reports. Councillor M Powell declared a personal interest as his wife works in social services. He advised that he has received dispensation from the Standards Committee to speak on all matters in relation to this service area Councillor J Edwards declared a personal interest in the Quarterly Performance report as her employer is named throughout.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the 8th June as an accurate reflection of the meeting.
RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the 8th June as an accurate reflection of the meeting.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to: 2.1 Agree on issues for inclusion on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Work Programme for the 2026-27 Municipal Year, as set out in Appendix A with appropriate amendments as necessary. 2.2. Agree that the Work Programme’s be reviewed as appropriate by the Chairs and Vice Chairs to ensure the items identified for inclusion are relevant and that any additional referrals are incorporated; including the identification of information reports. 2.3 Note the stakeholder engagement taken to date in relation to the formation of the draft work programme development and to authorise the Service Director Democratic Services and Communications, along with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review the feedback received following the public consultation on additional items for scrutiny consideration and to establish the best way forward in respect of the responses. 2.4. Consider and approve the following thematic scrutiny Committee Work Programmes as attached to the report (Appendix B, C and D respectively). • Community Services Scrutiny Committee • Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee • And Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee 2.5 Request that the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications notifies the appropriate Cabinet Members and responsible Officers, of the matters identified for pre-scrutiny in each of the Scrutiny Work Programmes in advance of Cabinet consideration; 2.6 Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications to publish the programmes on the relevant Council webpages and publicise to relevant stakeholders to promote further public engagement. 2.7 Amend the Draft Work Programmes as follows: · Early Education to be considered as a Joint item between Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee and Community Services Scrutiny Committee. · Safeguarding to be considered by Overview and Scrutiny Committee. · Active Travel to be considered by Overview and Scrutiny. The proposed changes, reflect the Terms of Reference for each Committee.
The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications presented the report to seek Member’s comment and approval on the draft Work Programmes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees. He continued that following a series of Work Programme Workshops, all Members of Overview and Scrutiny Committees were provided the opportunity to consider and identify items for consideration to formulate their respective Work Programmes. During these workshops it was also determined that a number of items would be identified to support public participation and engagement in the Scrutiny process. The Draft Overview and Scrutiny Work Programmes attached at appendices to the report had been compiled by Officers following the workshops and in consultation with the relevant Officers and Committee Chairs. Members were advised that the Work Programmes will remain live working documents to be able to respond to priorities as they emerge. RESOLVED to: 2.1 Agree on issues for inclusion on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Work Programme for the 2026-27 Municipal Year, as set out in Appendix A with appropriate amendments as necessary. 2.2. Agree that the Work Programme’s be reviewed as appropriate by the Chairs and Vice Chairs to ensure the items identified for inclusion are relevant and that any additional referrals are incorporated; including the identification of information reports. 2.3 Note the stakeholder engagement taken to date in relation to the formation of the draft work programme development and to authorise the Service Director Democratic Services and Communications, along with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review the feedback received following the public consultation on additional items for scrutiny consideration and to establish the best way forward in respect of the responses. 2.4. Consider and approve the following thematic scrutiny Committee Work Programmes as attached to the report (Appendix B, C and D respectively). • Community Services Scrutiny Committee • Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee • And Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee 2.5 Request that the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications notifies the appropriate Cabinet Members and responsible Officers, of the matters identified for pre-scrutiny in each of the Scrutiny Work Programmes in advance of Cabinet consideration; 2.6 Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications to publish the programmes on the relevant Council webpages and publicise to relevant stakeholders to promote further public engagement. 2.7 Amend the Draft Work Programmes as follows: · Early Education to be considered as a Joint item between Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee and Community Services Scrutiny Committee. · Safeguarding to be considered by Overview and Scrutiny Committee. · Active Travel to be considered by Overview and Scrutiny. The proposed changes, reflect the Terms of Reference for each Committee.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to: Scrutinise the role of the planning system in the assessment of planning applications submitted for the provision of HMOs within Rhondda Cynon Taf
The Head of Planning presented a report outlining the planning issues arising from applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Rhondda Cynon Taf. Members were advised that whilst HMOs provided an important source of accommodation, there had been a noticeable increase in applications over recent years, and the geographical spread had widened beyond the traditional concentration in Treforest. The report summarised recent planning applications and appeals, the key planning considerations taken into account when determining applications, and highlighted how the emerging Regional Local Development Plan (RLDP) would provide an opportunity to strengthen planning policy, including the introduction of thresholds to help manage concentrations of HMOs. The Chair noted that the report highlighted a clear shift in the location of HMOs across the County Borough and observed that many applications appeared to be concentrated in areas already experiencing higher levels of deprivation. Members recognised the need to provide additional housing but questioned how the growth of HMOs could be balanced with maintaining stable and cohesive communities. The Head of Planning acknowledged that achieving this balance remained a significant challenge. Whilst HMOs formed an important part of the overall housing supply, planning decisions sought to ensure that new developments did not result in unacceptable impacts on neighbouring residents or the wider community. The Head of Planning confirmed that the emerging RLDP would provide an opportunity to strengthen the Council's planning approach through clearer policy and defined thresholds. Members sought further information on how the Regional Local Development Plan could improve the Council's ability to manage HMO applications. The Head of Planning explained that work was underway to develop a dedicated HMO planning policy. This was expected to include measures such as concentration thresholds, separation distances and restrictions on "sandwiching", where a family dwelling is situated between two HMOs. Members were advised that a clearer policy framework would provide greater certainty for applicants, residents and the Planning Committee when determining future applications. Members discussed the standard of accommodation provided within some HMOs. Members emphasised that residents were entitled to safe, good quality housing and expressed concern that some developments appeared to prioritise maximising occupancy over providing suitable living conditions. The Head of Planning advised that concerns regarding poor living conditions were one of the principal planning reasons for refusing applications. The Planning Committee had consistently placed significant weight on whether future occupiers would benefit from acceptable living standards, alongside other planning considerations such as parking, waste management and neighbour amenity. Members also discussed whether greater provision of en-suite facilities should be required within HMOs, particularly where unrelated occupants shared accommodation. The Head of Planning explained that detailed internal standards were primarily governed through the separate licensing regime rather than the planning process. Whilst planning considered the overall suitability of accommodation, licensing legislation determined the minimum standards for room sizes and facilities. A Member questioned whether the planning and HMO licensing systems operated closely enough together and suggested that better alignment between the two regimes would strengthen the Council's ability to secure higher quality accommodation. The Head of Planning confirmed that planning officers consulted the Council's licensing and public health teams on all relevant applications and took account of their observations during the decision-making process. However, he acknowledged that the two systems operated under different legislative frameworks and that greater consistency at a national level would assist local authorities. Members suggested that Welsh Government should consider introducing a consistent national standard for HMO accommodation across Wales. The Head of Planning agreed that nationally prescribed standards would remove inconsistencies between local authorities and provide greater clarity for both applicants and decision-makers. It was noted that planning officers across Wales had previously raised this issue with Welsh Government. A Member referred to the examples of planning appeals contained within the report and noted that similar cases could result in different outcomes depending on the Planning Inspector considering the appeal. Concern was expressed that local planning authorities had no right of appeal against Planning Inspector decisions. The Head of Planning acknowledged this inconsistency and advised that differing decisions could make future decision-making more difficult. Members considered that this was an issue which should be reflected in any future review of planning legislation. Members recognised that HMOs often generated concern within local communities and stressed the importance of distinguishing between poorly managed accommodation and well-managed properties providing an important housing option for people who required them. Members agreed that scrutiny should continue to focus on ensuring good standards of accommodation, effective management arrangements and positive community integration rather than making assumptions about those living within HMOs. A Member asked whether closer working with organisations such as Public Health and the Health Board could further strengthen the Council's approach. The Head of Planning confirmed that Public Health and the Council's licensing service were consulted on all planning applications for HMOs and their comments informed planning decisions. It was explained that Health Impact Assessments would become a requirement for certain major developments, although this would not generally apply to HMO conversions due to their scale. RESOLVED to: Scrutinise the role of the planning system in the assessment of planning applications submitted for the provision of HMOs within Rhondda Cynon Taf
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to: • Scrutinise the Council’s financial and operational performance position as at 31st March 2026 (Quarter 4). • Consider whether they wish to scrutinise in greater depth any matters contained in the report in line with the Terms of Reference of the Committee. To consider School Exclusions in more detail under the appropriate Scrutiny Committee
The Director - Financial Services & Transformation presented the Quarter 4 Performance Report, which provided an overview of the Council's financial and operational performance for 2025/26. The report summarised revenue and capital budget performance, organisational health measures including workforce information, the Council's Strategic Risk Register and progress made in delivering the Council's wellbeing objectives and Corporate Plan priorities. Members were advised that the report presented a balanced assessment of performance, highlighting positive outcomes achieved during the year, alongside areas where further improvement and continued monitoring were required. The Chair welcomed the report and acknowledged the breadth of work delivered across the Council services during the year. The Chair queried the reported number of fixed-term exclusions within primary schools and asked what preventative work was being undertaken to address behavioural issues and reduce exclusions. The Director explained that schools and the Council worked closely together to identify children requiring additional behavioural or wellbeing support at the earliest opportunity. Members were advised that preventative intervention formed a significant part of this work, alongside dedicated support for pupils returning to school following a fixed-term exclusion to help ensure a successful reintegration. Whilst recognising that the figures related to fixed-term rather than permanent exclusions, the Chair reiterated concern that the number remained significant and requested that the issue be explored in greater detail through future scrutiny work. Members welcomed the reduction in overall staff turnover and sought further information on the factors that had contributed to the improvement. Officers advised that a range of measures had been introduced to improve staff retention, including strengthened induction arrangements for new employees, improved managerial support, exit interviews to identify trends and learning, and continued workforce support across services. Officers explained that the reasons for turnover varied between service areas but considered the reduction to reflect the positive impact of these arrangements. It was also noted that schools had their own management arrangements, supported by the Council's Human Resources service. The Chair referred to the Tackling Poverty Fund and asked how this linked to the Council's wider Child Poverty agenda and why there was limited reference to the recently completed Child Poverty Working Group within the Quarter 4 report. The Director advised that tackling poverty remained a key strategic priority for the Council and formed part of the Strategic Risk Register. It was explained that a range of grant funding had supported work during the year, although future reductions in external funding would present a challenge that the Council would need to manage. He confirmed that the Child Poverty Working Group recommendations had been approved and allocated to relevant service areas and that progress against those actions would be reported as part of the Quarter 1 Performance Report for the new financial year. Members sought clarification regarding workforce turnover figures, particularly within Social Services, asking whether the reported figures related to vacant posts or individual employees leaving the organisation. The Director confirmed that the figures represented employees leaving during the year rather than posts being removed. In most cases vacant posts would be recruited to, although some posts could cease following retirement or organisational change. Members requested further information regarding the length of time posts remained vacant and whether prolonged vacancies were affecting service delivery. Concern was expressed that vacancies could place additional pressure on existing staff and impact frontline services. Officers acknowledged the point and confirmed that further information regarding vacancy periods could be provided to Members. Officers advised that operational managers were responsible for ensuring business continuity whilst recruitment took place and that scrutiny should focus on whether staffing pressures were adversely affecting service performance. Members asked whether staff turnover information within schools could be further broken down to distinguish between Welsh-medium and English-medium settings. Officers confirmed that whilst this analysis was not included within the report, the information was available and could be provided separately. Members referred to the re-profiling of capital schemes, particularly those relating to flood risk management and tip safety and sought assurance regarding delays and any associated risks. Officers explained that these were ongoing programmes rather than one-off projects and that some schemes had been delayed due to prolonged periods of adverse weather, which had significantly affected outdoor works during the year. Funding had been carried forward into 2026/27 to enable works to continue and officers confirmed that individual project information could be provided where Members had specific local enquiries regarding delays or revised timescales. Members asked what was driving the increasing complexity of need across Adult and Children's Services and what preventative measures were being taken to reduce future demand. Officers explained that increasing demand reflected an ageing population, people living longer with more complex health needs and increasing complexity in children's cases. Members were advised that the Council continued to invest in preventative services, including Team Around the Family and reablement services, with the aim of promoting independence and reducing the need for more intensive interventions wherever possible. Members discussed the financial impact of Welsh Government's policy to eliminate profit from the care of looked after children, noting that the Council had met an additional cost of £5.5 million. Concern was expressed regarding the long-term affordability of the policy if Welsh Government funding did not fully meet the ongoing costs. Officers confirmed that the additional funding requirement had now been incorporated into the Council's baseline budget for 2026/27 and advised that all local authorities continued to press Welsh Government for full funding. Officers explained that future costs would continue to be influenced by market conditions, the transition to not-for-profit provision, investment in new in-house residential provision and the increasing complexity of children's placements. Members asked what action was being taken to improve foster carer recruitment and retention. Officers advised that this remained a national challenge affecting local authorities across Wales and beyond. Recruitment activity included national and regional campaigns, targeted local promotion, increased awareness work, improved support for foster carers and the development of enhanced incentive packages, including wider non-financial benefits. Officers confirmed that increasing foster carer numbers remained a key priority for Children's Services. Members sought assurance that the Council would be able to maintain current levels of performance given continuing financial pressures. Officers acknowledged the challenging financial environment but advised that medium and long-term financial planning, transformation activity, service redesign, efficiency programmes and investment in modernisation would continue to support sustainable service delivery. Officers emphasised the importance of protecting services for the most vulnerable residents whilst ensuring resources continued to be used effectively. Following discussion, Members agreed that a more detailed scrutiny review into fixed-term school exclusions should be undertaken, with the Chair, in consultation with officers, determining the most appropriate mechanism for this work as part of the scrutiny work programme. RESOLVED to: • Scrutinise the Council’s financial and operational performance position as at 31st March 2026 (Quarter 4). • Consider whether they wish to scrutinise in greater depth any matters contained in the report in line with the Terms of Reference of the Committee. To consider School Exclusions in more detail under the appropriate Scrutiny Committee
None
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