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 – (1) T H A T the content of the report be noted, and the recommendations of the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales be supported. (2) T H A T a copy of the report be circulated to all Clerks of all Town and Community Councils for information and to enable Town and Community Councils to submit any additional comments in response to the review. (3) T H A T all Councillors consider the report and, should they consider it appropriate, forward any comments directly to the Welsh Government Minister in response to the review. Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting. (2) To apprise all Town and Community Councils of the final report and in order for each Town and Community Council to consider whether or not they wish to respond to the same. (3) To allow all Councillors the opportunity to respond to the review.
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Chief Executive’s Emergency Powers as contained within the report be noted. Reason for decision Having regard to the Council’s Constitution.
RESOLVED – T H A T pursuant to their powers under Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council confer upon the members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the Vale of Glamorgan the title of Honorary Freemen and Freewomen of the County Borough in recognition of the distinguished service history within the Vale of Glamorgan. Reason for decision Having considered the granting of Freemen and Freewomen status to members of the RNLI in the Vale of Glamorgan in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972.
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T Councillor Elliot Penn be nominated for election as Mayor at the Annual Meeting to be held on 8th May, 2024 and that the Chair use the style of Mayor or Maer. (2) T H A T Councillor Naomi Marshallsea be nominated for election as Deputy Mayor at the Annual Meeting.
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C260, 29th February, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. CAPITAL STRATEGY 12024/25 AND FINAL CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2024/25 TO 2028/29 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C261, 29th February, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2024/25 AND UPDATE 2023/24 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C262, 29th February, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. STRATEGIC EQUALITY PLAN 2024-25 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C292, 21st March, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution.
This was were received from Councillor Robert Fisher.
Councillor Helen Payne declared a personal but not a prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 10(a) – Draft Budget 2024/25 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2028/29 (8) in that she was employed by Llamau.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 6th March 2024 be approved as a correct record, subject to it being noted that the figure on the top of page 23 should read as £500 and not 500.
The Mayor advised that she had again undertaken many engagements since the last Council meeting which had included the unveiling of the Barry RFC Murial, meeting up with the Youth Service Group Hive Guys & Hurts so Good and learning about their work. The Mayor had also visited the Vale’s Visionally Impaired Group for the third time during the year and enjoyed a Live Music Night with the Mayor of Barry to raise money for his chosen charities. Furthermore, the Mayor had had the opportunity to take part in the Dow Corning Science week with the school children form Oakfield Primary School as well as having the great pleasure in attending the new High Sheriff of South Glamorgan’s declaration in Llandaff Cardiff. Most recently the Mayor had been invited to a Friends and Neighbours Easter Party, attended the TAI Housing Conference and the Celebration of Social Care awards which she was honoured to be a part of, as well as attending her own Civic Service of Thanks in April 2024 which was enjoyed by many.
The following questions were submitted and replied to as shown, in accordance with the protocol agreed by Council on 5th May, 2010. (i) Question from Mr. J. Giles Whilst I accept the need to provide suitable social housing, there is equally the need for recreational facilities within established communities to be maintained and protected. The Colcot Sport Centre has been neglected by this Council for decades, what was once the central hub for the children of the Colcot and surrounding areas, has been allowed to slowly decay to its current state. Despite the lack of care, the building itself is still sound, the parking, drainage, sewage and power supply infrastructure are all in place. The main all-weather pitch is in place albeit requiring modernisation and the Five G pitches are still relatively new. Inside the main sport centre there are 14 changing rooms from memory, both male and female shower and toilet facilities, an existing boxing club and gym and a badminton hall which with the introduction of a mezzanine floor could create a two-floor community centre. Additionally, the facility has a well-established road infrastructure with easy access off Colcot Road, investment in this existing site would not only be considerably cheaper, but it would also create far less disruption and not cause the issues to the Buttrills Estate that an additional 200 plus car diving in and out of what are effectively small estate roads would. Also, this project would be preferable to the people this Council serve prefer and would receive little or no objections. My question is: There has been not published information circulated to the communities of Barry regarding this, not so much as a leaflet drop or a published article in the local paper. Why has this Council decided to engage with a scheme of this nature without first consulting or canvassing the views of the people they represent? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Wellbeing I dispute your claim that there has not been any engagement on the proposals relating to the Colcot Sports Centre and the proposals relating to the Buttrills recreation ground. The Council recently held an extremely well attended drop in event at the Colcot to share the proposals for both sites. In addition, I can also confirm that discussions have been held with those organisations directly affected by the proposals. To suggest there has been no engagement or consultation is therefore simply not true. I can also say that what have been published are proposals – no decisions have been made and if the scheme is developed further, the public will continue to be kept fully apprised. I can advise that the current consultation ends on 31st May 2024. I hope that answers the question and dispels the myth that there has been no engagement when there clearly has been. (ii) Question from Mrs. S. Evans – Who was present at the meeting and raised her question. The Local Authority and PSB have exciting plans for the future of people in the Vale that involve community engagement, environmental sustainability, development of education and heritage projects. I represent a local community campaign group that has a bold vision for a building in Barry and believe that Council Members will be keen to learn more and consider how to bring this to life. Our question relates to the Knap LifeGuard Building – What plans do the Council have for the Knap LifeGuards Building at WatchTower Bay in the west of Barry, bearing in mind it has been deteriorating for some years? As it is not likely to be a priority development, would the Council Members be prepared to work with our community campaign project group to move the project forward in partnership or consider a community asset transfer? Our community campaign group have spent the last 18 months sharing our vision for the building with senior Executives in the Council, including Lis Burnett and whilst we recognise the Council have many priorities, we are an active, passionate community group keen to see the building protected and developed for a Coastal and Environmental Exploration Centre that would be accessible for all generations but support pupil learning through the week and a variety of activities the remainder of the year. We have strong plans that align completely with the Vale Delivery Plan and PSB Wellbeing Plan and believe Councillors will be excited to be associated with these forward-thinking plans. Reply from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places Thank you for your questions, Mrs. Evans. We very much recognise the history and unique location of this building, but we currently have no plans to bring it back into use, since it was unfortunately declared unsafe by our Structural Engineers, due to water ingress affecting the concrete sub- structure, several years ago. With all our other many capital funding commitments for critical areas like housing, schools and highways, we simply do not have the funds to repair the building currently. In recognition of this, our officers have had discussions with several local water sports groups who registered an interest in using the building, however, these. discussions, whilst ongoing, have identified no firm commitments that would fund the necessary repairs required. I welcome your interest and am happy to consider any options that could assist in bringing this important building back into a suitable use. In this regard, I would suggest that you visit the Council’s website and submit an expressions of interest application via our, ‘Community Asset Transfer’ page. This page can be accessed by typing either ‘Community Asset Transfer’ or CAT into the webpage search bar. We look forward to receiving your application. (iii) Question from Mrs. C. Cook In trying to help by completing a survey, I've come across the following questions – What is your sex? Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth? If no, how would you describe your gender? What is your ethnic group? What is your religion? Which of the following options best describes how you think of yourself? (This refers to sexuality.) Do you have any physical or mental health conditions or illnesses that are expected to last more than 12 months? If yes, are you...? Could the Leader please explain how these highly personal questions are relevant in a Draft Tree Strategy? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources The questions that accompany any survey whether single issue such as the Draft Tree Strategy or the recent much more comprehensive ‘Life in the Vale’ survey are anonymised, and no one is identifiable. They are then used to check if the survey responses reflect the demographic makeup of the Vale of Glamorgan and its communities. For example, they help us understand whether the majority of responses are from a particular geographic area or age group. Perhaps more importantly, in the larger surveys it helps us to understand differences of opinion and lived experience of all respondents. Only yesterday, I explored our data on transport choices in different areas of the Vale in preparation for a meeting with Transport for Wales. It makes our arguments much more effective. Continuing to collect and analyse such data will help inform our priorities when we are setting our budget and help us provide the services people need. Thank you for taking the time to complete the Tree Strategy survey and for allowing me to explain why we collect the data. If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the content of the report be noted, and the recommendations of the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales be supported. (2) T H A T a copy of the report be circulated to all Clerks of all Town and Community Councils for information and to enable Town and Community Councils to submit any additional comments in response to the review. (3) T H A T all Councillors consider the report and, should they consider it appropriate, forward any comments directly to the Welsh Government Minister in response to the review. Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting. (2) To apprise all Town and Community Councils of the final report and in order for each Town and Community Council to consider whether or not they wish to respond to the same. (3) To allow all Councillors the opportunity to respond to the review.
Cabinet, on 17th November, 2022, had considered a report relating to the Council’s Community Review and the process to be adopted as referenced in minute number C133. The Local Democracy and Boundary Commission (the Commission) had published their Draft Proposals on 5th September, 2023 and a consultation period followed from 5th September, 2023 until 30th October, 2023. The Commission at this time notified all mandatory consultees, including Town and Community Councils, of the publication of their Draft Proposals. In addition, correspondence was issued to all Clerks of Town and Community Councils in early September to advise that the Commission would be publishing their draft proposals on 5th September, 2023. The Commission encouraged the Vale of Glamorgan Cross-Party Working Party Group (VoGCPWG) to submit further representations and comments on the Draft Proposals as part of the consultation by 30th October, 2023 and the matter was reported to both the Community Liaison Committee and Cabinet on 5th October, 2023, a copy of the referenced reports can be found at the following link: https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/Documents/_Committee%20Reports/Community %20Liaison/2023/23-10-05/Vale-of-Glamorgan-Community-Review.pdf. Cabinet had on 30th March, 2023 subsequently considered a reference from the Community Liaison Committee of 23rd March, 2023 as minute number C265 refers. That report set out all the proposals put forward by the Boundary Commission and paragraph 2.26 summarised the response of the Council at that time. As a consequence, it had not been repeated within the report before Council which would concentrate on the final proposals now published. The purpose of the report was therefore to inform Full Council of the publication of the final report by the Commission released on Tuesday, 16th April, 2024 and to outline the next steps in the process. The Leader subsequently moved the proposals which were seconded by Councillor Brooks. Councillor Carroll commented that the proposals would “break up” many communities and in particular referred to the flaws in the report that he said Llanmaes and Llandow Community Council’s had highlighted previously. Troes, he said also seemed to have been forgotten and the proposals to cut the number of Town and Community Councillors who gave up their free time to serve their communities meant he could not vote for the proposals. Councillor Cave echoed Councillor Carroll’s views stating that in her opinion dedicated Town and Community Councillors were being thrown on the “scrap heap”. In referring to the proposed increase in the number of Members for the Senedd she said it was apparent they wanted more democracy at the top and less at the bottom. Her concern was also in respect of the number of clerks who may lose their positions as a result of the proposals. Councillor Mahoney, in referring to the proposals for Cosmeston, commented that coming under Penarth the residents would no doubt pay higher precepts but have less representation which he said was a disgrace to democracy. Councillor Godfrey said he could not support the proposal sighting proposals where some aspects of Wenvoe had been lost to St. Nicholas and Bonvilston ward and also drew attention to a few roads in the area where some houses in the same street would come under one Community Council and some houses under another. Councillor Haines also referred to the proposed increase in Members of the Senedd when there were, he said, hard to fill Community Council positions. Councillor Wilson, commenting on the continued viability of some of the Community Councils, drew attention to the number of Community Councils who co-opted members onto the Councils as opposed to being elected. Councillor Dr. Johnson, referring to the interesting conversations that evening, said it was important to consider the background and referred to the meetings that Councillor Carroll had been invited to and had attended to consider the matter over the previous 18 months stating that it was only now he was raising such issues. He questioned why the Conservatives had not taken part in the previous discussions with the working party when they could have. Consultation had been undertaken and although he said he did not agree with every part of the report he agreed with some of the principles. He also drew attention to the number of Town and Community Councils who had co-opted members on their Council’s without going through the democratic elections process and asked the question “How do we expect Local Democracy to work without Elections?”. Councillor Ernest, in referring to the link between the Plymouth and Cosmeston wards having a single Councillor he said would put the electorate proportion out of sync with Cosmeston country park also being taken away from Penarth which he could not support. Councillor Perry, in referring to Councillor Godfreys’ comments, said local residents he had spoken to were happy with the proposals, but he was aware that for example moving some properties into Peterston-Super-Ely and St. Georges when they were clearly in the ward boundary of St. Nichloas and Bonvilston was an error. Councillor Morgan in response to the concerns regarding appointments of co-opted members, said in his communities some excellent Councillors had been co-opted but he was aware that they may lose some excellent clerks. Councillor Hodges was concerned about the lack of candidates standing for election which was part of the democratic process and having members on a Town and Community Council who had never fought an election was not fair and he said if there were not enough people in a ward was a Community Council therefore sustainable in such instances. In response the Leader advised that a cross party working group had been established to consider the proposals and she was aware that some of those speaking at the meeting this evening had been invited to participate, in which the Executive had played no part. The Leader reiterated that the review was being consulted on and that anyone who wished to respond could respond directly to the Welsh Government Minister. The Leader was also aware that a Special meeting of the Community Liaison Committee was to be arranged prior to the final deadline for submissions to the Minister. Following a vote, it was subsequently. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the content of the report be noted, and the recommendations of the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales be supported. (2) T H A T a copy of the report be circulated to all Clerks of all Town and Community Councils for information and to enable Town and Community Councils to submit any additional comments in response to the review. (3) T H A T all Councillors consider the report and, should they consider it appropriate, forward any comments directly to the Welsh Government Minister in response to the review. Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting. (2) To apprise all Town and Community Councils of the final report and in order for each Town and Community Council to consider whether or not they wish to respond to the same. (3) To allow all Councillors the opportunity to respond to the review.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Chief Executive’s Emergency Powers as contained within the report be noted. Reason for decision Having regard to the Council’s Constitution.
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Chief Executive’s Emergency Powers as contained within the report be noted. Reason for decision Having regard to the Council’s Constitution.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED – T H A T pursuant to their powers under Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council confer upon the members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the Vale of Glamorgan the title of Honorary Freemen and Freewomen of the County Borough in recognition of the distinguished service history within the Vale of Glamorgan. Reason for decision Having considered the granting of Freemen and Freewomen status to members of the RNLI in the Vale of Glamorgan in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972.
The reference from Cabinet of 11th April, 2024 as contained within the agenda was presented. The Leader in recommending the honour to Council (which was seconded by Councillor Brooks) commenced by stating that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) had always looked to support communities throughout the Vale, advising that Penarth lifeboat had opened in 1961, Barry Docks 1901 and Atlantic College in 1963 until 2013. The Leader said the recommendation required a two thirds majority of Council for approval, but she hoped the vote would be unanimous. Councillor Hodges commented that the Barry Lifeboat Station was still going strong, and he had also been invited to provide a historical talk to the Barry members. Councillor Protheroe took the opportunity to offer her gratitude to the RNLI, advising that in her ward area the beaches were supported by the RNLI and without their services she said she was certain there would have been many more deaths. Councillor Carroll said the Conservative Group would be supporting the proposal having regard to the incredible vital services the RNLI provide. Councillor Dr. Johnson, in echoing the sentiments of every other speaker, said he too hoped the decision would be a unanimous one and expressed his sincere gratitude to the RNLI stating that he was looking forward to the Sea Festival. Following a recorded vote where all 53 Members present at the meeting were in agreement, it was unanimously. RESOLVED – T H A T pursuant to their powers under Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council confer upon the members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the Vale of Glamorgan the title of Honorary Freemen and Freewomen of the County Borough in recognition of the distinguished service history within the Vale of Glamorgan. Reason for decision Having considered the granting of Freemen and Freewomen status to members of the RNLI in the Vale of Glamorgan in pursuance of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T Councillor Elliot Penn be nominated for election as Mayor at the Annual Meeting to be held on 8th May, 2024 and that the Chair use the style of Mayor or Maer. (2) T H A T Councillor Naomi Marshallsea be nominated for election as Deputy Mayor at the Annual Meeting.
The report sought a nomination by Council for the positions of Mayor Elect and Deputy Mayor Elect for the Municipal year 2024/25. Following a vote, it was subsequently. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T Councillor Elliot Penn be nominated for election as Mayor at the Annual Meeting to be held on 8th May, 2024 and that the Chair use the style of Mayor or Maer. (2) T H A T Councillor Naomi Marshallsea be nominated for election as Deputy Mayor at the Annual Meeting.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C260, 29th February, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. CAPITAL STRATEGY 12024/25 AND FINAL CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2024/25 TO 2028/29 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C261, 29th February, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2024/25 AND UPDATE 2023/24 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C262, 29th February, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. STRATEGIC EQUALITY PLAN 2024-25 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C292, 21st March, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution.
DRAFT BUDGET 2024/25 AND MEDUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2024/25 TO 2028/29 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C260, 29th February, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. CAPITAL STRATEGY 12024/25 AND FINAL CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2024/25 TO 2028/29 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C261, 29th February, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2024/25 AND UPDATE 2023/24 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C262, 29th February, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. STRATEGIC EQUALITY PLAN 2024-25 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C292, 21st March, 2024 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution.
The following responses to Member questions as contained within the agenda were presented: (i) Question from Councillor S.J. Haines Swallows Play Group is having its funding cut. Over the years, Swallows has developed expertise in supporting children with additional learning needs and is used by many Armed Forces families. The removal of this funding will potentially put at risk the viability of this important local facility and weaken our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. Cuts in funding of Children’s Services often have a larger social impact than just purely financial saving, but what are the annual fiscal savings that will be achieved by this measure? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language The Vale of Glamorgan Council has a long history of welcoming children of UK Service Personnel to our schools and currently there are 342 children of service families in schools in the Vale of Glamorgan. It is recognised that Swallows plays a part in this highly affective relationship, however only a very small number receive funded early education places at Swallow. A number of teams across the Council work closely with our schools and external partners to support our Service families as outlined in the MOD Local Authority Partnership, Vale of Glamorgan Supporting Service Children Action Plan. This recently completed Action Plan clearly demonstrates how all 26 actions have been successfully embedded to ensure we continue to meet the needs of Service children and their families. The Council’s Learning Links and Admissions Teams work effectively with our schools to facilitate admission without delay and also provide support and challenge for schools to address the educational needs of learners from Service families, so that they are able to access an appropriate education and achieve the best possible educational outcomes. Supplemental How much are you going to save? asked Councillor Haines however, following Councillor Haines proceeding to ask a second question, the Cabinet Member asked Councillor Haines to put his questions in writing to which he would respond directly. (ii) Question from Councillor C.P. Franks Will the Cabinet Member inform Council of the number of claims received in respect of damage to vehicles and personal injury due to potholes and other highway defects over the past three years? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services Firstly, the number of insurance claims received in respect of damage to vehicles and personal injury due to carriageway defects over the past three years is: 2021/22: 87 2022/23: 104 2023/24: 148 The total number of claims received for the 3 years is - 339. Secondly, for footways, the number of claims notified to the insurance team for the same period is: 2021/22 - 22 2022/23 - 19 2023/24 - 12 The total number of claims received for the 3 years is – 53. Supplemental Councillor Franks enquired as to how the Cabinet Member intended to respond to the significant level of public concern regarding the dangerous state of so many roads across the Vale. The Cabinet Member responded by saying he would urge all Members and the public to report such issues on the website. (iii) Question from Councillor R.R. Thomas What conversations has the Cabinet Member had with the new Cabinet Secretary for Education regarding school funding? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language I attended a meeting of ADEW – Association of Welsh Directors of Education Wales, last week, where I and other Cabinet Members for Education and Directors of Education from across Wales met with the new Cabinet secretary and was able to hear firsthand her vision for Education in Wales. Supplemental Councillor Thomas enquired of the Cabinet Member that in their conversations with the Minister would they be asking for a fundamental reassessment and change of the schools funding formula so children in the Vale got the money they deserved? The Cabinet Member assured Councillor Thomas that every Cabinet Member that was present at discussions with the Minister raised the question of funding for the future of Education in a very robust way. (iv) Question from Councillor C.M. Cowpe What measures do the Council take to ensure that windy weather conditions do not lead to rubbish strewn streets across the Vale? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services There are several measures aimed at limiting the impact of rubbish and litter in windy conditions. This firstly starts with the design of collection receptacles such as sealed containers for food waste which separates this type of waste, which is attractive to gulls and vermin, from black bags. The service also allows the use of dustbins and nappy caddies to further limit the impact of waste and or loose material. Additionally recycling bags are designed with weights sewn into the bottom of bags to prevent them blowing away and all bags have lids and a Velcro retainer to prevent material escaping. As well as the measures for collections, street litter bins have been designed with lids and narrow apertures to limit waste escaping and to restrict gulls and vermin from entering them. I would point out that our controls do rely on the assistance of our residents in ensuring that all waste and recycling put out for collection is properly contained and that there is no food left in black bags. Supplemental Councillor Cowpe enquired as to the system that was in place for collections during windy weather conditions as rubbish was strewn all over the place on such days. In response the Cabinet Member advised that if a Member thought that there was a particular resident requiring support with managing their waste effectively, they could seek assistance. However, he added that if there were difficult weather conditions it was important that appropriate actions were taken by residents. (v) Question from Councillor R.R. Thomas Will the Cabinet Member outline the work being done to improve drainage and road quality in Penarth? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services The Council’s highway maintenance team inspect each road within the Vale of Glamorgan, to identify any specific safety defects or hazards which meet relevant intervention levels, on a defined schedule between one to six months depending on its category and traffic volume. A detailed report on this matter was presented and agreed by Cabinet on 8th February 2024. If Councillor Thomas has any specific issue in mind, then I would be more than happy to have a conversation with him – as a local Member, he doesn’t have to wait until a Council meeting to raise an issue with me. Supplemental Councillor Thomas said he would take the Cabinet Member up on the offer and also asked if the Cabinet Member would be prepared to visit Across Park Road / Bridgeman Road and Marine Parade where there were uneven payments and poor or non-existent drainage. The Cabinet Member said that Marine Parade had recently been resurfaced but that if the Councillor could send in the full details by email that would be appreciated. (vi) Question from Councillor Dr. I.J. Johnson What meetings have the Vale Council held with Arts Council Wales to discuss promotion of arts, following last year’s Investment Review in which no organisations based in the county were successful in their multi-year funding applications? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language The Council has an active liaison with the Arts Council of Wales and their Development Officers who are the principal contact points for each Local Authority area and meet with the Council’s Arts Services as required. The Council has recently been allocated a new Development Officer with an introductory meeting forthcoming. The Council’s Arts and Culture Service has supported a number of applications for schools, organisations and artists in the Vale, which have all been successful in receiving Arts Council Wales Create Project Funding. In the past two years for example, the Arts Council of Wales have supported a total of 95 organisations, individuals and schools to the sum of £781,525 in the Vale of Glamorgan, including 3 Arts Organisations, 13 Individual Artists and 21 schools in 2022/23, and 6 organisations, 17 Individual Artists and 22 Schools in 2023/24. A full list of funding allocations and recipients is available on request. Supplemental Councillor Dr. Johnson asked the Cabinet Member if they could clarify if they hadn't met with the Arts Council of Wales to discuss the issue? The Cabinet Mmeber stated that they had not personally met but would be happy to follow up the inquiry and let Councillor Dr. Johnson know the outcome. (vii) Question from Councillor G.D.D. Carroll What action is the Council taking to address concerns raised by residents in its “Let’s Talk about Life in the Vale of Glamorgan” survey? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources I’m surprised at this question as Councillor Carroll should know the answer from a report that was discussed at Cabinet on the 11th of April of this year – that’s only some 18 days ago. That report is being referred to a range of Committees and other fora for discussion and consideration, including Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee, of which Councillor Carroll is a member. Supplemental Councillor Carroll stated that an overwhelming majority of respondents said that they didn't believe the Council took residents’ views into account when making decisions and asked the Leader if they agreed with this statement. In response the Leader advised she did not agree with the statement and hoped that over the coming months and over the forthcoming year residents would see even more evidence that residents’ views were taken into account. The Council would also continue to work with residents to ensure that views were taken into account and any mistruths highlighted. (viii) Question from Councillor A.M. Collins Last month, I highlighted an incident in which residents of the Thompson Street estate have been fined for using the bin store on Kingsland Crescent. Since then, Newydd have written to confirm that there are no restrictions on which bins residents can use. How soon will the Council refund residents the fines they have incorrectly been charged? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services In October 2023 Newydd Housing Association asked to meet with me and the Council’s Enforcement Manager to see what we could do to assist with fly tipping at their domestic bin stores, and on the public highway at Thompson Street Barry. Since this date the Council’s Enforcement Officers have been working in partnership with Newydd Housing Association to try to eliminate the fly tipping problems being experienced. Unfortunately, Fixed Penalty Notices have had to be issued by the Council, in consultation with Newydd Housing Association, for fly tipping on the highway and outside the bin stores. 17 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued since October for fly tipping offences. 12 of those Fixed Penalty Notices are for fly tipping on the public highway and will not be rescinded. The remaining 5 Fixed Penalty Notices relate to placing waste in a bin store within Newydd’s Thompson Street development without the authority to do so. The Council’s officers are currently in discussions with Newydd regarding these fines, as well as the possible introduction of further measures to prevent fly tipping. Once the discussions with Newydd are concluded a decision will be taken as to whether to progress with the 5 bin store fines as issued, and this position will be communicated to those involved. Supplemental Councillor Collins referred to letter that she had emailed the Cabinet Member from a resident of Thompson Street who had been fined for putting one black bag in the bin store and asked the Cabinet Member to reconsider such fines. The Cabinet Member said he would seek advice and respond directly to Councillor Collins. (ix) Question from Councillor G.D.D. Carroll Will the Leader please update the Council on the engagement her administration has had with the new First Minister of Wales? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources There have been a number of engagements both formal and informal with the First Minister including a successful official visit to the Vale. More such visits for the First Minister and his Cabinet colleagues in the coming days and weeks. Supplemental Councillor Carroll asked what information the new First Minister or his Administration had provided to the Council regarding the resources that it would make available to facilitate the review of the 20-mph speed limit policy? The Leader did not see the relevance of the question as it was a matter for the Cabinet Secretary who was responsible for the 20mph review. She commented that Local Authority Leaders had been advised by the Cabinet Secretary of a three-stage process that was to be brought in. However, formal guidance was awaited, although her personal view was that a review of the 20mph default speed limit had always been promised and that was now to take place. (x) Question from Councillor G.D.D. Carroll What lessons has the Council learned from its rollout of the Oracle Fusion application? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources Yet again, I would hope that Councillor Carroll will recall this issue being discussed at a single item meeting of the Council’s Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, 17th April where there was the best part of 3 hours discussion on the paper. Both Councillor Carroll and I were in attendance. The Committee also recommended referring the report to Governance and Audit Committee and this will take place in the coming weeks. The views of these Committees will then come to Cabinet alongside the action plan to ensure the lessons are addressed appropriately. Supplemental Councillor Carroll asked if the Leader would apologise for Labour's mismanagement of the Council's budgets which had resulted in residents facing years of inflation busting Council Tax rises. The Leader referred to a recent comment that she had made that the Council had to cut £67.5m which was as a result of austerity measures by the Conservative party. She said that there was an ongoing process to review the lessons learned and a comprehensive report had been prepared which was also to be presented to Governance and Audit Committee. (xi) Question from Councillor G.D.D. Carroll What discussions has the Council had with Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board in relation to the pressures its Replacement Local Development Plan will have on GP capacity across the Vale? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and Regulatory Services The Planning department meet regularly with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) to discuss the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) and the implications of this on general medical services provision across the Vale. As part of the recent RLDP Preferred Strategy consultation, the representation from the UHB confirmed that it is “undertaking an assessment of capacity across its services and will work with the Local Authority to address the impact of the preferred housing growth option in the Plan”. The Replacement LDP has also been presented at a strategic level to the Public Services Board, so that all partners are aware of the importance of ensuring the need for proper forward planning when it comes to health provision, not just for the current population but also for future residents as communities develop over time. Supplemental Councillor Carroll asked if the Council would listen to residents’ concerns and remove the key sites in Dinas Powys from the Plan. The supplemental not being related to the question, the Cabinet Member asked Councillor Carroll to put his other question in writing for a response, commenting that the Council was working with the UHB and did not foresee the issues that Councillor Carroll was alluding to.
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.