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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Full Council Meeting held 8 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Corporate Support and Resources Scrutiny Committee held 14 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Planning, Regulatory and Licensing Committee held 15 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Neighbourhood Services, Countryside and Planning Scrutiny Committee held 20 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
RESOLVED that The minutes of the Scrutiny : Regeneration, Housing and Public Protection Committee on 21 January 2025 be taken to Full Council on 2 April 2025 for approval and entry into the record.
Resolved that: The resolution in the minutes at item number 530 be amended to read “The Private Hire Vehicle Licence holder be issued a formal warning.”
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Governance and Audit Committee held 27 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Social Services Scrutiny Committee held 28 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held 5 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Full Council Meeting held 5 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Standards Committee held 7 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Licensing Committee held 12 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Planning, Regulatory and Licensing Committee held 12 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Corporate Support and Resources Scrutiny Committee held 18 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Amendment is refused. Recommendation 2.5 In response to questions, Council was advised that: · Within the Constitution, fees and charges need to be brought to Full Council annually. Recommendation 2.6 In response to questions, Council was advised that: · The savings have been identified by Officers within each service, and they offer operational efficiencies not requiring business cases. · The Director of Finance explained efficiency savings, SPF funding and grants. Recommendation 2.7 In response to a question, the Director of Finance explained the use of reserves. Comments were raised regarding the use of reserves. Recommendation 2.8 In response to a question, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and the questions in the budget consultation were explained. Comments were made regarding the budget consultation. Recommendation 2.9 No questions or comments were raised. Recommendation 2.10 In response to a question, Council was advised that agreeing the minimum revenue provision statement is an annual requirement. Recommendation 2.11 Comments were made regarding the budget, the budget setting process and the use of grants. A recorded vote was requested. Resolved that: 2.1 The implications of the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2025/26 published on 11th December 2024 and Final Local Government Settlement for 2025/26 published on 20th February 2025 outlined in Section 3.5 to 3.7 and Appendices 1, 2 and 3 be noted and accepted. 2.2 The additional Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding outlined in paragraph 3.6.2 be noted and accepted. 2.3 The implications of the Pay Award, Pension Contributions and National Insurance Contributions outlined in Section 5 be noted and accepted. 2.4 The ‘Additional Service Demands’ outlined in Section 5.6 and Appendix 4a to 4g be approved. 2.5 The draft Fees and Charges report (Appendix 5a) and register (Appendix 5b) outlined in Section 5.7 be approved. 2.6 The operational service efficiencies outlined in Appendices 6a to 6e be approved. 2.7 The utilisation of £1.5 million of the budget reserve be approved. 2.8 The Council Tax increase of 5.5% for 2025/26 (‘Band D’ of £2,083.21) for the County Borough Council be approved. 2.9 The budget requirement of £172.513 million for 2025/26 (net revenue budget) be approved. 2.10 The Minimum Revenue Provision Statement for 2025/26 as detailed in paragraph 10.0 be approved. 2.11 The Director of Finance comments relating to the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of reserves be noted.
Resolved that: 2.1 The formal statutory Council Tax resolutions 2025/26 as outlined in Appendix 1, and summarised in paragraph 5.1, be noted and approved. 2.2 The Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales approved precept for 2025/26 of £7,156,155 for the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council area be noted. 2.3 The Bedlinog and Trelewis Community Council approved precept for 2025/26 of £40,314 for the Community Council area be noted. 2.4 The Welsh Government 2025/26 Non Domestic Rate for Wales of 56.8 pence in the £ be noted.
Resolved that: 2.1 The implementation of the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme 2025- 26 in accordance with the rules described in this report be approved. 2.2 Sections 47(1)(a) and S47(3) (discretionary relief) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 shall apply as regards the hereditaments described above in accordance with the rules described in relation to those hereditaments, be approved.
Resolved that: 2.1 The adoption of the Corporate Fraud Enforcement Policy for the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council be approved.
Resolved that: 2.1 The Pay Policy 2025-2026 (implementation date 1st April 2025), be approved.
Resolved that: The memorial bench and tree policy be approved.
Resolved that: The report for Information be received.
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs J Jenkins and J Davies.
No Declarations of Interest were made.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Full Council Meeting held 8 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Full Council Meeting held 8 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Corporate Support and Resources Scrutiny Committee held 14 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Corporate Support and Resources Scrutiny Committee held 14 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Planning, Regulatory and Licensing Committee held 15 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Planning, Regulatory and Licensing Committee held 15 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Neighbourhood Services, Countryside and Planning Scrutiny Committee held 20 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Neighbourhood Services, Countryside and Planning Scrutiny Committee held 20 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that The minutes of the Scrutiny : Regeneration, Housing and Public Protection Committee on 21 January 2025 be taken to Full Council on 2 April 2025 for approval and entry into the record.
Technical problems meant that the minutes were not fed into the agenda, so it was RESOLVED that The minutes of the Scrutiny : Regeneration, Housing and Public Protection Committee on 21 January 2025 be taken to Full Council on 2 April 2025 for approval and entry into the record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The resolution in the minutes at item number 530 be amended to read “The Private Hire Vehicle Licence holder be issued a formal warning.”
Cllr Clive Jones advised that there was an omission with the wording at item number 530. Resolved that: The resolution in the minutes at item number 530 be amended to read “The Private Hire Vehicle Licence holder be issued a formal warning.”
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Governance and Audit Committee held 27 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Governance and Audit Committee held 27 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Social Services Scrutiny Committee held 28 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Social Services Scrutiny Committee held 28 January 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held 5 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held 5 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Full Council Meeting held 5 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Full Council Meeting held 5 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Standards Committee held 7 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Standards Committee held 7 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Licensing Committee held 12 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Licensing Committee held 12 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Planning, Regulatory and Licensing Committee held 12 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Planning, Regulatory and Licensing Committee held 12 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Corporate Support and Resources Scrutiny Committee held 18 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Resolved that: The Minutes of the Corporate Support and Resources Scrutiny Committee held 18 February 2025 be accepted as a correct record.
Councillor M Symonds referred the Council to the Notice of Motion as detailed in Item 18 of the agenda in relation to the Crown Estate in Wales and read out the Motion in full. This Motion was then seconded by Councillor G Richards who provided additional information regarding the Crown Estate in Wales. Discussions were held and comments made by Members, after which it was agreed that the Leader of the Council write to the Welsh Government and the UK Government to outline the authority’s support to devolve the Crown Estate.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Amendment is refused. Recommendation 2.5 In response to questions, Council was advised that: · Within the Constitution, fees and charges need to be brought to Full Council annually. Recommendation 2.6 In response to questions, Council was advised that: · The savings have been identified by Officers within each service, and they offer operational efficiencies not requiring business cases. · The Director of Finance explained efficiency savings, SPF funding and grants. Recommendation 2.7 In response to a question, the Director of Finance explained the use of reserves. Comments were raised regarding the use of reserves. Recommendation 2.8 In response to a question, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and the questions in the budget consultation were explained. Comments were made regarding the budget consultation. Recommendation 2.9 No questions or comments were raised. Recommendation 2.10 In response to a question, Council was advised that agreeing the minimum revenue provision statement is an annual requirement. Recommendation 2.11 Comments were made regarding the budget, the budget setting process and the use of grants. A recorded vote was requested. Resolved that: 2.1 The implications of the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2025/26 published on 11th December 2024 and Final Local Government Settlement for 2025/26 published on 20th February 2025 outlined in Section 3.5 to 3.7 and Appendices 1, 2 and 3 be noted and accepted. 2.2 The additional Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding outlined in paragraph 3.6.2 be noted and accepted. 2.3 The implications of the Pay Award, Pension Contributions and National Insurance Contributions outlined in Section 5 be noted and accepted. 2.4 The ‘Additional Service Demands’ outlined in Section 5.6 and Appendix 4a to 4g be approved. 2.5 The draft Fees and Charges report (Appendix 5a) and register (Appendix 5b) outlined in Section 5.7 be approved. 2.6 The operational service efficiencies outlined in Appendices 6a to 6e be approved. 2.7 The utilisation of £1.5 million of the budget reserve be approved. 2.8 The Council Tax increase of 5.5% for 2025/26 (‘Band D’ of £2,083.21) for the County Borough Council be approved. 2.9 The budget requirement of £172.513 million for 2025/26 (net revenue budget) be approved. 2.10 The Minimum Revenue Provision Statement for 2025/26 as detailed in paragraph 10.0 be approved. 2.11 The Director of Finance comments relating to the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of reserves be noted.
The Monitoring Officer advised that questions and comments be raised for each recommendation one at a time. Recommendation 2.1 In response to questions, Council was advised that: • The final Welsh Government settlement was published on the same date as the budget report which was due to go to Full Council on the 26th of March, and as the allocation from Welsh Government was reduced the figures needed to be updated. • Regarding the provisional and final settlement, the adjusted base for 2024/25 was changed. The Director of Finance also explained the provisional and final settlement and the 4.9% increase. • The Officer explained the figures for the budget consultation and the process of the community consultations. • Regarding the budget consultation, paper copies were available in the Civic Centre and the Town Centre Hub. • The Cabinet Member discussed long-term financial sustainability and the ongoing work being done. Recommendation 2.2 No questions or comments were raised. Recommendation 2.3 In response to questions, Council was advised that: • The arrangement for commission services is yet to be confirmed, and further information will be made available in May/June. • The Director of Finance explained the National Insurance contribution changes. Comments were made regarding National Insurance Recommendation 2.4 In response to questions, Council was advised that: · The Director of Education explained the staffing capacity in the library services and the need to meet statutory obligations. · The Director’s Pay report wasn't taken to Full Council as it was included in the budget setting process. Councillor C Tovey proposed an amendment to the recommendation that there is no growth in the Director’s remuneration. Councillor C Tovey then requested a Recorded Vote on this amendment. Resolved that: The Amendment is refused. Recommendation 2.5 In response to questions, Council was advised that: · Within the Constitution, fees and charges need to be brought to Full Council annually. Recommendation 2.6 In response to questions, Council was advised that: · The savings have been identified by Officers within each service, and they offer operational efficiencies not requiring business cases. · The Director of Finance explained efficiency savings, SPF funding and grants. Recommendation 2.7 In response to a question, the Director of Finance explained the use of reserves. Comments were raised regarding the use of reserves. Recommendation 2.8 In response to a question, the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and the questions in the budget consultation were explained. Comments were made regarding the budget consultation. Recommendation 2.9 No questions or comments were raised. Recommendation 2.10 In response to a question, Council was advised that agreeing the minimum revenue provision statement is an annual requirement. Recommendation 2.11 Comments were made regarding the budget, the budget setting process and the use of grants. A recorded vote was requested. Resolved that: 2.1 The implications of the Provisional Local Government Settlement for 2025/26 published on 11th December 2024 and Final Local Government Settlement for 2025/26 published on 20th February 2025 outlined in Section 3.5 to 3.7 and Appendices 1, 2 and 3 be noted and accepted. 2.2 The additional Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding outlined in paragraph 3.6.2 be noted and accepted. 2.3 The implications of the Pay Award, Pension Contributions and National Insurance Contributions outlined in Section 5 be noted and accepted. 2.4 The ‘Additional Service Demands’ outlined in Section 5.6 and Appendix 4a to 4g be approved. 2.5 The draft Fees and Charges report (Appendix 5a) and register (Appendix 5b) outlined in Section 5.7 be approved. 2.6 The operational service efficiencies outlined in Appendices 6a to 6e be approved. 2.7 The utilisation of £1.5 million of the budget reserve be approved. 2.8 The Council Tax increase of 5.5% for 2025/26 (‘Band D’ of £2,083.21) for the County Borough Council be approved. 2.9 The budget requirement of £172.513 million for 2025/26 (net revenue budget) be approved. 2.10 The Minimum Revenue Provision Statement for 2025/26 as detailed in paragraph 10.0 be approved. 2.11 The Director of Finance comments relating to the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of reserves be noted.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: 2.1 The formal statutory Council Tax resolutions 2025/26 as outlined in Appendix 1, and summarised in paragraph 5.1, be noted and approved. 2.2 The Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales approved precept for 2025/26 of £7,156,155 for the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council area be noted. 2.3 The Bedlinog and Trelewis Community Council approved precept for 2025/26 of £40,314 for the Community Council area be noted. 2.4 The Welsh Government 2025/26 Non Domestic Rate for Wales of 56.8 pence in the £ be noted.
Councillors L Davies, K Gibbs and S Thomas left the meeting. Resolved that: 2.1 The formal statutory Council Tax resolutions 2025/26 as outlined in Appendix 1, and summarised in paragraph 5.1, be noted and approved. 2.2 The Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales approved precept for 2025/26 of £7,156,155 for the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council area be noted. 2.3 The Bedlinog and Trelewis Community Council approved precept for 2025/26 of £40,314 for the Community Council area be noted. 2.4 The Welsh Government 2025/26 Non Domestic Rate for Wales of 56.8 pence in the £ be noted.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: 2.1 The implementation of the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme 2025- 26 in accordance with the rules described in this report be approved. 2.2 Sections 47(1)(a) and S47(3) (discretionary relief) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 shall apply as regards the hereditaments described above in accordance with the rules described in relation to those hereditaments, be approved.
Resolved that: 2.1 The implementation of the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme 2025- 26 in accordance with the rules described in this report be approved. 2.2 Sections 47(1)(a) and S47(3) (discretionary relief) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 shall apply as regards the hereditaments described above in accordance with the rules described in relation to those hereditaments, be approved.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: 2.1 The adoption of the Corporate Fraud Enforcement Policy for the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council be approved.
In response to a question, Council was advised that an annual report is taken to the Governance and Audit committee on the fraud activities across the organisation. Resolved that: 2.1 The adoption of the Corporate Fraud Enforcement Policy for the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council be approved.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: 2.1 The Pay Policy 2025-2026 (implementation date 1st April 2025), be approved.
Resolved that: 2.1 The Pay Policy 2025-2026 (implementation date 1st April 2025), be approved.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The memorial bench and tree policy be approved.
In response to a question, Council was advised that any land that is owned by the Council can be considered. Resolved that: The memorial bench and tree policy be approved.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The report for Information be received.
Resolved that: The report for Information be received.
The meeting was closed, and no other urgent business or correspondence was discussed.
The meeting was closed, and no communications were received from their Worship the Mayor.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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