Wrthi'n llwytho
Does dim crynodeb o'r cyfarfod hwn eto. Caiff crynodebau eu hysgrifennu pan fydd y cyngor yn cyhoeddi'r cofnodion, sef ei gofnod swyddogol o'r hyn a benderfynodd cyfarfod. Maen nhw fel arfer yn ymddangos ychydig wythnosau ar ôl y cyfarfod.
Councillors: Rose Seabourne (Chair) Stuart Ashley Alfie Best (left at 11.01am during Agenda Item 14) Catherine Bonera Nick Byrne Richard Clark (Deputy Leader) Lynda Clarkson Fiona Cross David Daniels Giles Davies Steven Evans Joanne Gauden Karl Gauden Elizabeth Haynes (left at 12.03pm during Agenda Item 15) Jonothan Hollins Jon Horlor Nick Horler Anthony Hunt (Leader) Gaynor James Janet Jones Peter Jones Stuart Keyte Rosemary Matthews Susan Morgan Amanda Owen Norma Parrish Caroline Price Nicholas Simons Alan Slade Colette Thomas David Thomas Nathan Yeowell Officers: Delyth Harries, Monitoring Officer Dave Leech, Deputy Chief Executive & Strategic Director, Adults and Communities Andrew Lovegrove, Strategic Director Resources Rebecca Fahey-Jones, Team Leader, Scrutiny Caroline Genever-Jones, Elections Manager Robert Green, Head of Financial Services Jo Griffiths, Head of Pension Administration and Investments Hayley Hawkins, Solicitor Robert Murray, Principal Planner Paul Mckim, Acting Director of Economy & Place Dominique Redman, Team Leader Democratic and Member Services Tom Roberts, Business & Democratic Support Services Manager & Head of Democratic Services Jason O’Brien, Strategic Director, Children and Family Services Chris Slade, Assistant Democratic and Member Services Team Leader Mark Thomas, Joint Director Neighbourhoods & Environment Stephen Vickers, Chief Executive Adrian Wilcock, Team Leader - Planning Policy & Implementation Others: Craig Smith & Libby Smith to present a petition Emma Treadgold, to give a presentation to mark 20 years of Flying Start Provision X2 Members of the press and public
2.1 Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ron Burnett, Liam Cowles, Jon James, Mark Jones, Chris Tew, Jayne Watkins David Williams and Lucy Williams.
3.1 There were no declarations of interest.
4.1 Council confirmed the minutes of the Council meeting held on 21 July 2026 as an accurate record.
5.1 Council noted the action sheet.
Council agreed to consider this item later in the meeting as the petitioner had not arrived. The item was considered after Agenda Item 8. 6.1 Torfaen Resident, Libby Smith, presented a petition in relation to Hospital Road, as follows: ‘We ask Torfaen County Borough Council to take action to improve road safety on Hospital Road, Leigh Road and Lower Leigh Road, reducing vehicle speeds to protect residents and our property. Residents report that people have been struck by vehicles, dogs have been run over, and numerous cars have been written off in collisions on Leigh Road and Hospital Road. Excessive speed is a major concern, and residents report that speeds on Hospital Road have increased since the potholes were repaired. We ask the Council to investigate speeds and the history of collisions, and work with us and the police to introduce effective safety measures. These could include traffic calming, speed warning signs, targeted enforcement and an assessment of whether a one-way system on Lower Leigh Road, Hospital Road or both could improve safety. We urge the Council to act before more people are injured or further property is damaged’. 6.2 Council referred the petition to Councillor Amanda Owen, for her to consider, respond and report back in due course.
7.1 Public questions with replies are set out in Appendix A to these minutes.
8.1 • The Leader informed Council of the passing of former Councillor David Yeowell and Jackie Bates, former Headteacher of Woodlands Primary School. Tribute was paid to both individuals in recognition of their service and contribution to the community. Members observed a moment of silence, and condolences were extended to their families and friends. • The Leader congratulated Ron Ford on receiving the British Empire Medal in recognition of his dedication to keeping areas of Pontypool and the wider borough clean and tidy, and expressed the Council's thanks for his work. • Congratulations were extended to Blaenavon Community Heritage Museum on achieving full accreditation once again. The significant achievement of a museum operated entirely by volunteers was recognised, and thanks were conveyed to all those involved. • The Leader congratulated Theodora Taylor, a member of Torfaen Dolphins Swimming Club, on winning a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. Congratulations were also extended to all Torfaen athletes who had competed in the Games. • Recognition was given to all organisations and individuals involved in responding to the mountain fires during the summer, including South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, firefighters from across the UK, local farmers, Council staff, the Armed Forces, and members of the community. Thanks were also expressed to residents who stayed away from affected areas to enable firefighting operations to be carried out safely. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting land restoration efforts and considering lessons learned from the incident. • The Leader thanked Dragons All Stars for the invitation to attend their awards evening and expressed appreciation for the opportunities provided by the club and its volunteers in enabling people to participate in sport. • Congratulations were extended to Jack Jones on his recent victory at the British Open Snooker Tournament. His achievement was recognised as a significant milestone in a career that continued to go from strength to strength. • Finally, the Leader welcomed Emma Treadgold, the Council's Early Help and Partnership Manager, who delivered a presentation to mark 20 years of Flying Start provision in Torfaen.
9.1 The Principal Planner outlined the report seeking approval of the 2026 Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) of the Torfaen Local Development Plan (LDP) for its submission to the Welsh Government (WG) on or before the 31st October 2026 and publication on the Council’s website. The Principal Planner informed members of an addition to the report regarding Section 106 contributions, reporting that a significant Section 106 agreement relating to the former County Hall site had been approved and signed in May 2025. The agreement secured substantial contributions towards affordable housing, education, children's and adult recreation facilities, and footpath improvements. 9.2 Clarification was sought on the housing targets referred to in the report, noting that they related to the LDP which had expired in 2021, and observed that the target had still not been achieved five years later. In response, it was confirmed that the housing target related to the previous LDP and that the AMR included a housing trajectory projecting future housing delivery. Members were informed that approximately 240 dwellings per year were expected to come forward over the next five years, and sufficient housing sites were projected to meet housing requirements during the preparation of the new Joint LDP, which would identify additional sites and ensure the continued delivery of housing across the borough. 9.3 Council unanimously agreed: • To approve the Torfaen Local Development Plan Annual Monitoring Report 2026 (attached at Appendix A) and its submission to the Welsh Government on or before the 31st October 2026; • To agree to delegate any final minor amendments of the Torfaen LDP Annual Monitoring Report 2026 to the Team Leader - Planning Policy & Implementation prior to submission to the Welsh Government and publication on the Council’s website. • That the Torfaen LDP 2026 AMR will be submitted to the Welsh Government by 31st October 2026 and will also be published on the Council’s website.
10.1 The Elections Manager outlined the report seeking approval of the fees payable to the Returning Officer and associated staff undertaking the management, administration, clerical, polling station, and count duties (including training fees) associated with the conduct of the Local Government Elections due to be held on Thursday 6 May 2027 and for any future elections scheduled for the following 5 years. 10.3 Council unanimously agreed that: • The fees payable to the Returning Officer and associated staff for the Local Government Elections to be held on 6 May 2027 in accordance with the figures set out in Appendix 1 to the report and are in place for the next 5 years, revised in line with the foundation living wage if required. • The Council’s insurance covers the Returning Officer and staff for any area of the election work and will indemnify the Returning Officer for any policy excess.
11.1 The Head of Pension Administration and Investments outlined the report seeking Council approval to amend Part 12 of Torfaen County Borough Council’s constitution, specifically the terms of reference for the Pensions Committee, to reflect the governance requirements introduced through the UK Government’s Fit for the Future reforms and the Local Government Pension Scheme governance regulations and statutory guidance. 11.2 Clarification was sought on whether the appointments referred to in paragraph 3.1 of the report would require the recruitment of two new members of staff or whether they involved amendments to existing job roles. In response, members were advised that the role of LGPS Senior Officer would be undertaken by the Head of Pensions as part of the existing post. It was further explained that a recruitment process would be undertaken to appoint an independent person to serve on the Pensions Committee. 11.3 Council unanimously agreed to: (i) Approve the revised Part 12 (Pensions) of the constitution as set out in Appendix 1 to the report and adopt it with effect from 15th September 2026; (ii) Delegate oversight of implementation to the Strategic Director, Resources and the Head of Pension Administration and Investments, with progress updates to be provided to the Pensions Committee as part of its role in supporting the Council’s discharge of its administering authority responsibilities.
12.1 The Business & Democratic Support Services Manager & Head of Democratic Services outlined the report which presented Council with the Annual Scrutiny Report for the 2025-26 municipal year. 12.2 Members welcomed the report and expressed their appreciation to officers, Executive Members and scrutiny committee members for their contributions and commitment throughout the year. It was noted that scrutiny had enabled constructive challenge and discussion, with a focus on improving outcomes for residents, and that recommendations arising from scrutiny work had led to tangible improvements. Members also reflected on the significant volume of work undertaken by the scrutiny committees and highlighted the importance of scrutiny in supporting cross-cutting issues, partnership working and service improvement. 12.3 In response, the Leader thanked scrutiny committee members, chairs, officers and Executive Members for their contributions. He emphasised the importance of engaging with scrutiny in an open, honest and constructive manner, viewing it as an opportunity to improve services. He highlighted the positive impact of scrutiny in areas such as education and the budget-setting process, particularly where engagement had taken place prior to decisions being made. 12.4 Members were advised that, whilst most scrutiny activity would continue to take place locally, the introduction of joint scrutiny arrangements with Blaenau Gwent created opportunities to scrutinise joint strategies, shared services and partnership arrangements. There was a need for further work to align processes, provide member training and development, particularly following the forthcoming elections, and enhance opportunities for public engagement in the scrutiny process. 12.5 The Chief Executive agreed with the comments made and emphasised the important role scrutiny played in promoting openness, transparency and accountability within the Council. He stated that scrutiny would become increasingly important as collaborative working arrangements developed across the wider federation and highlighted the need for continued commitment in member training and development to support effective scrutiny in the future. 12.6 Council unanimously agreed to note the content of the 2025-26 Annual Scrutiny Report.
13.1 The Business & Democratic Support Services Manager & Head of Democratic Services outlined the report, informing Council of revisions to the political balance of the Council as a result of Cllr Catherine Bonera resigning from the Independent Group and subsequently joining the Torfaen Independent Group, and seeking agreement to the updated political balance including its consequences for the Council’s politically balanced committees. 13.2 Councillor Janet Jones highlighted the importance of maintaining stability and continuity in the Council's decision-making and scrutiny processes, noting that retaining the existing Chair and committee appointment arrangements would minimise disruption, avoid additional administrative work and support the effective operation of the Council. She also emphasised the value of collaborative working across the authority and reiterated commitment to acting in the best interests of residents and communities. 13.3 The Leader reaffirmed the importance of working constructively and collaboratively across the Council to achieve positive outcomes for the borough. 13.6 Council unanimously agreed: • The change in political balance and adopted the political balance calculations attached at Appendix A to the report. • That Council appoints members to serve on the committees affected by these changes as shown in Appendix B.
14.1 Councillor Anthony Hunt proposed the following motion: ‘This council expresses its support for and solidarity with our Nepalese community in Torfaen, in the light of the devastating recent flooding in Nepal. We send our support and sympathies to the Nepalese community, which is a valued and respected part of our wider community here in Torfaen, and thank the Wales Gurkha Community Association for their efforts to collect donations to help those who have been most severely affected by the disaster’. 14.2 In moving the motion, the Leader expressed sympathy with all those affected by the glacier collapse and resulting flooding in Nepal. He acknowledged the distress caused by the disaster, particularly for members of the local Nepalese community with family connections to those impacted, and noted the scale of the devastation. He also commended the response of the Nepalese community within Torfaen and welcomed the support provided to relief efforts. He reaffirmed the Council's support and solidarity with both the local Nepalese community and those affected by the disaster in Nepal. 14.3 The motion was seconded. 14.4 Clarification was sought on whether financial assistance could be provided through the Council's Small Schemes Budget in response to overseas disasters. In response, it was explained that support was being recommended through the Wales Gurkha Community Association, reflecting its local connection and ability to assist those affected. 14.5 Councillor Morgan took the opportunity to thank Members who had attended a recent briefing on the impacts of climate change and noted the value of cross-party engagement on these issues. 14.6 The motion was carried unanimously. 14.7 Councillor Jon Horlor proposed the following motion: ‘This council expresses its support for and solidarity with those affected by the recent wildfires in Torfaen. We express our thanks to those who fought the fires - to the Fire Service crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and beyond, Armed Forces personnel, local farmers and council workers who supported the efforts. We also thank those from our communities who welcomed and supported the firefighters, including local businesses who provided food. We pledge to work locally and nationally to support those repairing the damage and dealing with the consequences of a loss of grazing land and the need for extra animal feed. We recognise the need to learn lessons for the future about the realities of dealing with wildfires, to maximise preparedness and the effectiveness of future responses. We also recognise the need to focus on preparations for living with the reality that such extreme events will be made more likely and more severe by climate change. We therefore await the Welsh Government Wildfire Summit with interest and believe the voices of the farmers who graze and manage common land above our valleys needs to be heard as part of that response’. 14.8 The motion was seconded. 14.9 Discussion ensued and: • Members expressed their support for the motion and reflected on the significant impact of the mountain fires on the local environment, farming community and wider public. First-hand accounts were shared regarding the scale of the damage caused, the prolonged nature of the incident and its effects on common land, wildlife, livestock and air quality. • Tribute was paid to all those involved in the response, including firefighters, farmers, commoners, the Armed Forces, council staff, volunteers, local businesses and community members. Members highlighted the resilience of the affected communities and the support provided to those tackling the fires. • Members also recognised the wider challenges posed by climate change and noted the importance of learning lessons from the incident. Issues raised included land management practices, grazing arrangements, habitat restoration, fire prevention measures, emergency preparedness, air quality impacts and support for farmers affected by the loss of grazing land. 14.10 In response, the Leader thanked Councillor Horler for bringing forward the motion and acknowledged the contribution made by local councillors and communities during the emergency. He highlighted the need to support recovery efforts, including assistance for the Commoners Association, and emphasised the importance of learning lessons from the incident in relation to land management, preparedness, community resilience, public health and support for the farming community. The Leader further commended the strong community response shown throughout the incident. 14.11 In concluding the debate, Councillor Horler reiterated his thanks to all those involved in responding to the fires and supporting recovery efforts. 14.12 The motion was carried unanimously.
15.1 Member questions with replies are set out in Appendix B to these minutes.
16.1 Council unanimously agreed to note the Cabinet Decisions.
17.1 The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 3 November at 10.00am.
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.