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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
Resolved: Council agreed to the amendments as outlined above by Councillor Al-Nuaimi. Matters Arising: Councillor Routley mentioned that he had submitted a Question in the ballot but was not present at the meeting to ask the Question in person. Councillor Routley stated that he had not yet received a written response. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that Councillor Routley would be provided with a response once he had submitted a Question At Any Time in line with the Standing Orders to the relevant officers.
Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments/ Resignations Name Llanwern High School Resignation John Guy Llanwern High School Appointment Hugh Knight Mount Pleasant Primary School Reappointment Dilwyn Gurney Rogerstone Primary School Resignation Chris Lacey Rogerstone Primary School Appointment Chris Lacey Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Resignation John Guy Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Appointment Gregory Morgan Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Resignation Christopher Chapman Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Appointment Rhian Howells Malpas Church in Wales Primary School Resignation Robert Green Malpas Church in Wales Primary School Appointment Robert Pitt Pentrepoeth Primary School Resignation Rhian Howells Pentrepoeth Primary School Appointment Tamzin Simmonds Mount Pleasant Primary School Resignation Yvonne Forsey Mount Pleasant Primary School Appointment Chris Carter High Cross Primary School Resignation Beverley Davies High Cross Primary School Appointment Yvonne Forsey Outside Bodies Councillor D Davies and Councillor P Bright as substitute Councillor M Linton to replace Councillor A Screen Further membership to be agreed at Councillor K Thomas Councillor Routley Councillor E Stowell-Corten Councillor P Drewett to replace Councillor C Baker-Westhead Councillor Yvonne Forsey (Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity) Councillor Phil Hourahine Councillor Stephen Cocks Councillor Rhian Howells Councillor Trevor Watkins Councillor Allan Screen Councillor Ray Mogford Councillor Mark Howells Councillor Alan Morris Councillor Andrew Sterry Councillor James Peterson
Resolved: Council agreed that the substantive motion was agreed. The Council notes the UK Government’s Decision to means test the winter fuel allowance and that might leave some pensioners in a difficult financial position this winter. Newport City Council will work tirelessly to support those affected pensioners in Newport via this approach: · To identify those pensioners in most need. · To work alongside third sector organisations to identify those pensioners not claiming pension credit, despite their eligibility. · To maximise the use of the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) to support Newport’s pensioners during this winter. · To investigate bespoke plans to offer further support. In the meantime, residents can call the DWP Pension credit helpline on 0800 991234.
Resolved: Council approved the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report 2023-24.
Resolved: Council renewed the City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order.
Resolved: Council extended the Maesglas Public Spaced Protection Order.
Resolved: Council renewed the Pillgwenlly Public Spaces Protection Order.
Resolved: Council reviewed, note and commented on the Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2023-24 and endorsed the actions set out in section 4 of that report.
Resolved: Council received the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2023/2024 and noted the forward work programme.
Councillors Cleverly, Townsend, Sterry and Linton. Councillor Adan Declared an interest under Item 5: Notice of Motion. Councillor Marshall, Thomas, Adan, Al-Nuaimi and Perkins declared an interest under Items 7-9: Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council agreed to the amendments as outlined above by Councillor Al-Nuaimi. Matters Arising: Councillor Routley mentioned that he had submitted a Question in the ballot but was not present at the meeting to ask the Question in person. Councillor Routley stated that he had not yet received a written response. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that Councillor Routley would be provided with a response once he had submitted a Question At Any Time in line with the Standing Orders to the relevant officers.
Minutes of the last meeting held on 16 July 2024 were accepted subject to the following: Councillor Al-Nuaimi considered that the minutes were not correct and suggested the following amendments: Councillor Al-Nuaimi urged that the note circulated by the Newport Palestine Solidarity Campaign needed to be responded to by the Council/ the Greater Gwent Pension Fund. The note had published a summary of investments and figures on the involvement of the Pension Fund in schemes operated in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian Territories. Resolved: Council agreed to the amendments as outlined above by Councillor Al-Nuaimi. Matters Arising: Councillor Routley mentioned that he had submitted a Question in the ballot but was not present at the meeting to ask the Question in person. Councillor Routley stated that he had not yet received a written response. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that Councillor Routley would be provided with a response once he had submitted a Question At Any Time in line with the Standing Orders to the relevant officers.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments/ Resignations Name Llanwern High School Resignation John Guy Llanwern High School Appointment Hugh Knight Mount Pleasant Primary School Reappointment Dilwyn Gurney Rogerstone Primary School Resignation Chris Lacey Rogerstone Primary School Appointment Chris Lacey Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Resignation John Guy Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Appointment Gregory Morgan Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Resignation Christopher Chapman Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Appointment Rhian Howells Malpas Church in Wales Primary School Resignation Robert Green Malpas Church in Wales Primary School Appointment Robert Pitt Pentrepoeth Primary School Resignation Rhian Howells Pentrepoeth Primary School Appointment Tamzin Simmonds Mount Pleasant Primary School Resignation Yvonne Forsey Mount Pleasant Primary School Appointment Chris Carter High Cross Primary School Resignation Beverley Davies High Cross Primary School Appointment Yvonne Forsey Outside Bodies Councillor D Davies and Councillor P Bright as substitute Councillor M Linton to replace Councillor A Screen Further membership to be agreed at Councillor K Thomas Councillor Routley Councillor E Stowell-Corten Councillor P Drewett to replace Councillor C Baker-Westhead Councillor Yvonne Forsey (Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity) Councillor Phil Hourahine Councillor Stephen Cocks Councillor Rhian Howells Councillor Trevor Watkins Councillor Allan Screen Councillor Ray Mogford Councillor Mark Howells Councillor Alan Morris Councillor Andrew Sterry Councillor James Peterson
Councillor Drewett moved the appointments set out in the report, as agreed by the Business Managers as set out below. Councillor Evans seconded the report. Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments/ Resignations Name Llanwern High School Resignation John Guy Llanwern High School Appointment Hugh Knight Mount Pleasant Primary School Reappointment Dilwyn Gurney Rogerstone Primary School Resignation Chris Lacey Rogerstone Primary School Appointment Chris Lacey Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Resignation John Guy Eveswell and Somerton Primary School Partnership Appointment Gregory Morgan Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Resignation Christopher Chapman Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed Appointment Rhian Howells Malpas Church in Wales Primary School Resignation Robert Green Malpas Church in Wales Primary School Appointment Robert Pitt Pentrepoeth Primary School Resignation Rhian Howells Pentrepoeth Primary School Appointment Tamzin Simmonds Mount Pleasant Primary School Resignation Yvonne Forsey Mount Pleasant Primary School Appointment Chris Carter High Cross Primary School Resignation Beverley Davies High Cross Primary School Appointment Yvonne Forsey Outside Bodies Councillor D Davies and Councillor P Bright as substitute Councillor M Linton to replace Councillor A Screen Further membership to be agreed at Councillor K Thomas Councillor Routley Councillor E Stowell-Corten Councillor P Drewett to replace Councillor C Baker-Westhead Councillor Yvonne Forsey (Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity) Councillor Phil Hourahine Councillor Stephen Cocks Councillor Rhian Howells Councillor Trevor Watkins Councillor Allan Screen Councillor Ray Mogford Councillor Mark Howells Councillor Alan Morris Councillor Andrew Sterry Councillor James Peterson
The Presiding Member introduced Superintendent J White of Gwent Police, who provided Council Members with an update on police issues within East, West, and Central Newport. When the Superintendent had addressed Council, the Presiding Member invited the Leader to address Superintendent White. The Leader, Councillor Batrouni, thanked Supt White for his update, particularly on the reduction in crime and suggested a meeting to collaboratively address the issue of negativity on social media, which can cause unnecessary anxiety and concern amongst residents. Supt White agreed and mentioned that the police had a dedicated corporate communications officer, and it was hoped that more positive feedback, especially on Facebook would put residents at ease and challenge misinformation. § Councillor Lacey provided figures in relation to violence against women between January 2020 and December 2022 and asked what steps were being taken by police to address this and whether there was more to be done for victim support to strengthen these efforts locally. Supt White introduced a new approach called Domestic Abuse (DA) Quality Matters. Senior Officers in Newport reviewed dip samples of Domestic Abuse incidents to make sure they were supporting victims appropriately as well as looking into Domestic Violence protection notices and taking robust action to arrest offenders. There was also more work to be done by working with partners and raising education and awareness with businesses and taxi drivers about safeguarding. § Councillor R Howells referred to the Friends of the Road to Nature Community Group within the Tredegar Park and Marshfield ward. The area was being used by dirt bikes at unsociable hours in the meadow and on the adjoining Welsh Government land. Councillor R Howells asked what steps could be taken to tackle this as it was under reported due to happening late at night. Supt White urged resident to make report this so the police could understand the scale of the issue. The police had a dedicated rural crime team as well as access to drones that could support this. Supt White confirmed that Inspector Welty would make contact with Councillor R Howells to discuss further. § Councillor Morris raised the issue of fireworks and the effect it had on pets, particularly as fireworks were often set off in the lead up to Bonfire Night through to December. Councillor Morris asked what the police do to address this. Supt White advised that there was an annual dedicated operation from Halloween to Bonfire Night as well as preventative work in the weeks/months leading up to the dates. The police collaborate closely with Trading Standards and Inspector Giles to educate people around the appropriate use of fireworks. Supt White confirmed that Inspector Giles would make contact with Councillor Morris to discuss further. § Councillor M Howells asked whether mobile, deployable CCTV was available for Gwent Police to use. Councillor M Howells also referred to Spytty Retail Park in the Lliswerry ward where he had heard it mentioned that 65% of the police resources went towards dealing with issues at Spytty. Councillor M Howells asked what could be done to encourage the businesses there to protect themselves and let the local police resources be directed to residents. Supt White advised that there were 10 portable CCTV cameras used by both South Wales and Gwent police via a bidding and application process due to demand. Secondly Supt White considered the figure of 65% to be excessive and this would not be for Spytty Park alone but across the East of Newport. Councillor M Howells would be provided with accurate figures outside of this meeting. Officers were working with shops to look at how to target and reduce crimes. Supt White added that shoplifting figures had reduced. § Councillor Whitehead recognised that crime figures had reduced in the Bettws area and referred to two physical assaults along the Mon and Brecon canal. Councillor Whitehead asked whether there would be a visual presence there. Supt White advised that Inspector Welty was aware, and officers were patrolling the areas on foot or on bikes. § Councillor Watkins mentioned that a resident raised an issue regarding the Woodside sheltered housing complex. Residents had reported being approached by individuals that had caused concern. Councillor Watkins asked if ward members could be advised of any police surgeries in the area. Supt White was updated by Inspector Welty that the Crime Reduction Officer held monthly meetings at Woodside and would provide the dates for Councillor Watkins going forward, as other partners attending such as the housing association could provide an update. § Councillor D Harvey mentioned the recent break-in at Alway Primary School, resulting in theft and vandalism, and a cluster of incidents involving children and teenagers. Inspector Giles confirmed that housing and anti-social behavioural orders had been applied in conjunction with Newport City Homes (NCH). There was racing along Aberthaw Road, and cars were being smashed damaged. Councillor D Harvey also asked if the police could monitor Aberthaw Road due to damage caused by speeding cars, and the school for these reasons. Supt White advised that there was a proactive neighbourhood enforcement team, and their default position was Alway/Maindee. Supt White would also contact Inspector Giles and ensure police and traffic officers visited these areas as well as making Councillor Harvey aware of updates. § Councillor Al-Nuaimi asked what the restrictions were for HGV parking on residential roads as there was often a recovery vehicle parked on Caerau Road. HGV had operating centres and should not park in residential areas. Councillor Al-Nuaimi had been informed that recovery vehicles were exempt from the ban on HGV’s parking in residential areas. Councillor Jones added that most recovery vehicles with a 7.5 tonne licence were exempt from this because of the emergency callouts. Supt White agreed with Councillor Jones and asked if anyone locally had knocked on their neighbours’ doors to identify who the vehicle belonged to, to ask if they could park somewhere else. § Councillor Jones mentioned that ward councillors received monthly crime statistics, which Councillor Jones posted on Facebook and asked for confirmation that this was permitted. Supt White advised the information was published online and could be shared through social media. § Councillor Horton wanted to give feedback to Supt White regarding an officer H Ali. There was an incident at Councillor Horton’s place of work where someone needed assistance, and the officer did an excellent job in making sure that they were looked after. Councillor Horton wanted to pass on his thanks. § Councillor Hourahine thanked Supt for the work of the police in Brecon Park, dealing with anti-social behaviour. Councillor Hourahine welcomed the potential use of portable CCTV cameras and added that any criminal activity should always be reported to police by residents.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council agreed that the substantive motion was agreed. The Council notes the UK Government’s Decision to means test the winter fuel allowance and that might leave some pensioners in a difficult financial position this winter. Newport City Council will work tirelessly to support those affected pensioners in Newport via this approach: · To identify those pensioners in most need. · To work alongside third sector organisations to identify those pensioners not claiming pension credit, despite their eligibility. · To maximise the use of the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) to support Newport’s pensioners during this winter. · To investigate bespoke plans to offer further support. In the meantime, residents can call the DWP Pension credit helpline on 0800 991234.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Evans to introduce the Notice of Motion, with Councillor Routley to second. The UK Government's decision to remove the winter fuel allowance will leave up to 30,000 pensioners in the Westminster constituencies covering Newport, wondering whether to heat their homes this winter, or put food on their table. This cut means that potentially more than £4 million being taken out of their pockets. This Council urges the UK Government to reinstate the winter fuel payment in full to support pensioners in Newport. Councillor Evans read out the Notice of Motion and took the opportunity to add: ‘I think the Chief Executive of Age Cymru, Victoria Lloyd, sums up the situation nicely. “Age Cymru firmly believe that cutting the winter fuel payment this winter, with virtually no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong decision. “People have been sharing with us how they’ll struggle this winter without the winter fuel payment, we have heard from people who have long term health conditions who need to have a warm home and will need to cut back on food to ensure that their homes are warm.” With fuel prices increasing and many pensioners living just above the threshold, to qualify for pension credit, this policy will undoubtedly cause a large number of pensioners to switch off their heating this winter, from Alway to Allt-yr-yn and Rogerstone to Ringland’. Councillor Routley supported the motion and reserved the right to speak. The Presiding Member invited members to propose the Amendment. The Leader proposed the following Amendment to the motion: The Council notes the UK Government’s Decision to means test the winter fuel allowance and that might leave some pensioners in a difficult financial position this winter. Newport City Council will work tirelessly to support those affected pensioners in Newport via this approach: · To identify those pensioners in most need. · To work alongside third sector organisations to identify those pensioners not claiming pension credit, despite their eligibility. · To maximise the use of the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) to support Newport’s pensioners during this winter. · To investigate bespoke plans to offer further support. In the meantime, residents can call the DWP Pension credit helpline on 0700 991234. Councillor Lacey seconded the amendment to the motion highlighting that it provided a practical, action-oriented response to the challenges faced by some of Newport’s pensioners. The amendment offered a clear plan to make that happen by taking steps to help those in need. The original motion focussed on a letter to the UK government. By acting locally, the Council could ensure the most vulnerable pensioners got the support they needed this winter. This amendment identified a meaningful approach to help pensioners most in need, working with third-sector organizations to claim pension credit and access the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund. By seconding this amendment Councillor Lacey supported real action to make sure pensioners did not have to make impossible choices. § Councillor Evans was happy that the opposition supported taking action. § Councillor Fouweather thanked the opposition for their sensible approach and suggested that a letter be written to the Prime Minister to reconsider. § Councillor Morris asked the Leader if people could be encouraged to come forward if there were any concerns about elderly neighbours or family not heating their homes, as well as councillors providing support within the community. § Councillor Routley supported the amendment. § Councillor Hourahine supported the amendment. § Councillor Jones asked who residents should contact at the Council for information and support. § In response, Councillor Drewett advised Council on what information was available on the website. Two events for help and support were taking place in Duffryn in September and the Riverfront in October. § Councillor D Harvey supported the motion and mentioned that some councillors were undertaking Discretionary Assistance Funding (DAF) training to support residents. Over a thousand meals a month were distributed in the Alway ward by councillors, free of charge at the Celtic Manor, courtesy of Business in the Community. Councillor Harvey urged that colleagues go out and help those in the community. § Councillor R Howells supported the amendment and echoed Councillor Morris’ comments that councillors should act as signposts, via social media, ward surgeries and other face to face means to direct aid to pensioners. § Councillor Screen supported the amendment which was a practical measure to support the residents of Newport. § Councillor Whitehead supported the amendment which he felt was a caring approach and hoped that everyone would respond in a positive way. § Councillor Forsey highlighted the work done by colleagues to support residents in Rogerstone and proposed that they moved to a vote to end the debate on the on the amendment to the motion and took a vote on the amendment. § Councillors Corten and Hourahine seconded this. Once Council had voted in support to end the debate on the amendment to the motion the Presiding Member invited the Leader to speak on his amendment. The Leader summed up and added that in terms of demand, the council would need to understand the demand and deal with it accordingly due to the finite resources available. The Leader welcomed the cross-party agreement to support Newport residents. A vote was taken to support the amendment to the motion which now became the substantive motion. All members voted in favour of the amendment as the substantive motion. Councillor Evans reserved the right to speak at the end of the debate. § Councillor Al Nuaimi considered that pensioners had to make difficult decisions on how their money was spent under these circumstances. § Councillor Corten was happy to see that everyone supported the substantive motion. § Councillor Watkins requested that a dedicated phone line be posted on Newport Matters to give assistance to residents filling out forms. § Councillor Routley supported the amendment and welcomed the refreshing attitude whereby collaborative working would help residents of Newport. Councillor Routley asked if the Leader could put something together for all members to share advice and referred to Councillor Harvey’s initiative regarding training on the DAF – pooling resources would benefit residents. § Councillor Jones supported the motion. Councillor Marshall added there were other places for support such as GAVO webpages and community warm spaces including support from energy companies and the Housing Association. § Councillor Routley agreed about a joined-up approach as well as identifying individuals in need. § Councillor Evans considered that council was in general agreement to support the elderly. And therefore, supported the amendment. Resolved: Council agreed that the substantive motion was agreed. The Council notes the UK Government’s Decision to means test the winter fuel allowance and that might leave some pensioners in a difficult financial position this winter. Newport City Council will work tirelessly to support those affected pensioners in Newport via this approach: · To identify those pensioners in most need. · To work alongside third sector organisations to identify those pensioners not claiming pension credit, despite their eligibility. · To maximise the use of the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) to support Newport’s pensioners during this winter. · To investigate bespoke plans to offer further support. In the meantime, residents can call the DWP Pension credit helpline on 0800 991234.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council approved the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report 2023-24.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty Reduction to present the report. Rydw i’n hapus i rannu'r adroddiad yma heddiw [I am happy to share today’s report]. This annual monitoring report sets out Newport City Council’s progress against its Welsh language commitments during the financial year 2023-2024. The attached monitoring report is required to be published on the Council’s website in accordance with statutory responsibilities under the Welsh Language Standards. The Leader seconded the report. § Councillor Fouweather supported the report and added the only way to improve Welsh Education was to improve the provision in English speaking schools. Resolved: Council approved the Welsh Language Annual Monitoring Report 2023-24.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council renewed the City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty Reduction to present the report. Councillor Drewett mentioned that councillors might want to refer to PSPOs in their wards that were not on the Council Agenda and would be happy to discuss this outside the meeting. The PSPO has been in place for the City Centre area for several years. The latest Order was established on 13 December 2021 and would expire on 12 December 2024. Councillor Drewett outlined the prohibitions of the PSPO as highlighted within the report and included in the Agenda Papers. Council was therefore asked to consider and agree the renewal of the City Centre PSPO. § The Leader hoped that the report would receive unanimous support. § Councillor Fouweather added that this was in place in various forms over the past 10 years and it was disappointing that the public consultation response was poor. § Councillor Al-Nuaimi agreed with Councillor Fouweather and was disappointed with the responses. But overall supported the report. § Councillor Evans supported the report. § Councillor Jones welcomed the report and asked how quickly this would be adopted for results to be seen. Councillor Drewett replied that there were improvements already taking place and hoped this continued. § Councillor M Howells welcomed Councillor Drewett’s opening statement regarding other areas and would contact him after the meeting, adding his support to the report. Resolved: Council renewed the City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council extended the Maesglas Public Spaced Protection Order.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty Reduction to present the report. Councillor Drewett outlined the prohibitions of the PSPO as highlighted within the report and included in the Agenda Papers. Council was asked to agree the extension of the Maesglas PSPO. § Councillors Marshall, Perkins, Whitehead and Thomas supported the PSPO. § Councillor Fouweather requested that Councillor Drewett look at prevention measures and engage with offenders. Resolved: Council extended the Maesglas Public Spaced Protection Order.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council renewed the Pillgwenlly Public Spaces Protection Order.
The Presiding Member invited the Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty Reduction to present the report. Councillor Drewett outlined the prohibitions of the PSPO as highlighted within the report and included in the Agenda Papers. Council was asked to agree to the renewal of the Pillgwenlly PSPO. § Councillor Adan referred to new measures added in the report by Gwent Police and hoped that they would follow this up. Councillor Adan also supported the report. Resolved: Council renewed the Pillgwenlly Public Spaces Protection Order.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council reviewed, note and commented on the Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2023-24 and endorsed the actions set out in section 4 of that report.
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Hourahine, the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee to present the report. Councillor Hourahine outlined topics discussed over the past year for each of the Performance Scrutiny Committees. The actions planned for the reporting period were completed and had improved the scrutiny function. Future actions sought the continuation of this improvement and to further engage stakeholders at every level in local democracy. Councillor Hourahine looked forward to chairing the Overview and Scrutiny committee and took the opportunity to thank his scrutiny colleagues and Cabinet Members, Officers of the Local Authority and partners for their continued support. § Councillor Fouweather considered that Scrutiny had improved over the years and wanted to thank officers for their work on the scrutiny committee, adding that all attendees were respectful and polite. Councillor Fouweather was pleased that Cabinet Members attending no longer turned to officers for advice as they learned their brief and were able to answer questions. Resolved: Council reviewed, note and commented on the Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2023-24 and endorsed the actions set out in section 4 of that report.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: Council received the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2023/2024 and noted the forward work programme.
The Presiding Member invited the Chair of Standards Committee, Mr Andrew Mitchell to introduce the report. The annual report covered the period from April 2023 to March 2024. The Chair was pleased to report that there were no serious complaints of misconduct referred to the Standards Committee by the Ombudsman during the reporting period and no complaints were referred for determination by the Committee under Stage 3 of the Local Resolution Protocol. The training requirements for City Councillors, community councils and their clerks continued to be monitored as part of the Committee’s forward work programme. The Chair took the opportunity to thank the committee members for their work during the period and looked forward to delivering the work programme of the Committee during 2024. The Chair also thanked Democratic Services Officers who supported the Chair and his committee colleagues. § On behalf of all members Councillor Routley added that all committees benefitted from the support of Democratic Services. Resolved: Council received the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2023/2024 and noted the forward work programme.
Before Questions, the Leader gave the following announcements. Food festival Our next showcase event was the Newport Food Festival on 11,12 & 13 October. Urdd Newport to host Eisteddfod yr Urdd for the first time ever in 2027, encouraging the Welsh language by targeting the youth. Funding for schools Cabinet allocated an extra £600,000 of funding to the city’s secondary schools. The Leader visited all secondary schools at the end of the summer term, to speak to head teachers about their work and get a feel for the challenges they faced. The extra funding was made by using money available through the prior year’s residual underspend and was targeted at relieving various pressures across our city’s secondary schools. It was important to ensure secondary school pupils had as much opportunity to gain experience and gain qualifications that they needed. This support would help protect those opportunities and allow schools to continue delivering quality education for the city’s young people. Summer Fun and Splash ‘Port More than 1,000 children and young people – and their families – took part in free activities over the summer holiday organised by the council’s youth and play service. More than 500 hours of sessions included playschemes, stay and play, bracelet, bath bombs and pizza making, multi-sports, podcasting, NERF battles, and pottery workshops. Hundreds of people attended National Play Day in Rodney Parade in August, which was a huge success, despite the showers. Plans were already being made for the October and Christmas breaks. Another highlight of the summer was the opening of Splash ‘Port and the new play facilities at Tredegar Park. It would reopen next spring and even more improvements to the area and facilities were on the way. The Leader and Leader of the opposition were due to attend on Friday next week, taking the plunge to raise money for the Mayor’s charities - children’s centre Sparkle and the voluntary group SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association). The Leader asked his colleagues to join them at 4.30pm to watch them get soaked by the big bucket. Quality mark Newport’s youth and play service received a prestigious award from the Education Workforce Council, achieving the silver quality mark for youth work. Newport’s team previously held the bronze award and to attain silver had to demonstrate the promotion of inclusive practice, celebration of equality and diversity, and that it met the needs of young people. The Leader passed on his congratulations to all the staff. The Leader also briefly listed other achievements including the recent Green Flag Award at Beechwood. The Leader accompanied the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team on Monday for Acton Week, meeting residents in the city centre discussing and tackling issues The Leader was also undertaking ward visits, starting with Caerleon, Bettws and Lliswerry, and would visit all wards in due course. Winter wonderland was taking place over the Christmas period with free parking from 16 November to end of December, with an Ice-skating rink in place. The Cenotaph was cleaned, and the footbridge was being cleaned. Finally, £660k was secured for the leisure centre which was due to be completed by 2026. Referred to Welsh Government’s as being anti-motorist in their decision against the M4 relief road and more recently the decision to enforce 20mph speed restrictions within Wales, as well as spending around £200m on active travel with no improvements seen at present. Further proposals on increase of tax to fund Cardiff Internation Airport improvements as well as Pay Per Mile Tax, congestion charging and workplace parking taxes. Proposals would lead to chaos, could the Leader therefore give reassurances that he would oppose any of these proposals. The Leader mentioned that the Council was not anti-motorist and mentioned the free car parking over the Christmas period. The Leader also made referred to the Burns Commission and what it would deliver to the city. Also, any congestion charges enforced, the Leader would oppose. City Centre closures were proposed for two days a week; to save money, this was despite cross party recommendation at a scrutiny meeting to close the building, while options were explored. It was also confirmed at a recent scrutiny meeting by officers that the £94k budget saving was in relation to the heating of the building, less than 0.5% of the overall budget. This was Grade II listed building, which was important to the City Centre. The Cabinet Member for Assets and Infrastructure also mentioned recently at Cabinet a £5m maintenance programme including boiler maintenance, roof repairs and cleaning of the clock tower; closing the Civic would see it go into further disrepair, negating the savings. There was also customer perception. Further asset management proposals could sell off assets and see more staff move to the Civic Centre. Did the Leader therefore agree that the Civic Centre closure should be put on hold until all matters were resolved, and that funding be made available from last year’s underspend. The Leader was reviewing this decision with the Cabinet Member for Assets and Infrastructure to look into practicalities. In light of the proposals from Welsh Government (WG) to reconsider some of the 20mph speed restrictions, how was Council looking at a strategy in reverting back to 30mph on some 20mph zones. The Leader advised that Newport City Council had received 3,500 responses from residents focussing on a few of the roads reverting back to 30pmh. WG guidelines, however, were imposed and could not be breached: any roads that were reverted would need to be suitable, in line with Guidelines. What involvement was taking place with Newport City Council beyond Wales to promote the city. The Leader advised that the areas in which they were promoting the city was through the Western Gateway working collaboratively with councils in the Southwest part of England as well as Wales to lobby UK Government for investment funds for wider projects that no individual council could undertake. This included harnessing energy from the Severn Estuary Asked now that Councillor Mudd was the recently appointed Police Crime Commissioner and was also a member for Malpas ward, should she stand down. Councillor Fouweather referred to the newly elected Member of Parliament for Monmouthshire Council who stood down immediately. Would the Leader therefore ask Councillor Mudd to stand down and call a by-election. Leader regularly spoke with Councillor Mudd on a broad range of issues and added that many elected members held other roles at the same time. Those that had other roles should be welcomed to continue their position as councillor as they would bring areas of expertise to the table. Councillor Mudd would therefore be an asset to the Council. Steps were being taken to improve the city centre and the Council needed to be bold and take immediate action to make improvements. Could the Leader keep the council updated to find a collective way forward to put city centre first as a welcoming and open space throughout the year, not only for Food Festival and Christmas. The Leader agreed with Councillor Routley and had referred to the recent Decision at Cabinet to form a cross-party group for the place making plan. Business News Wales was promoting city and focused on semiconductors. There were no hooks however to draw people in. Could the Leader review these articles and promote the city. The Leader had not seen these articles but agreed that the private sector would drive the city forward.
Question 1: Question to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning There are some good examples of Houses in Multiple Occupation, but these are sadly few and far between. Others blight neighbourhoods with poor substandard, accommodation with overgrown, unkempt frontages and can change the character of an area with their sheer number. What is the Cabinet Member going to do to reduce and remove poor quality HMOs? Mandatory and additional licensing schemes enable the regulation of safety standards in HMOs ensuring that the “licence holder” and “manager” are ‘Fit & Proper’ to undertake these roles. The Additional Licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation in Newport has now been presented for a further five years helping to regulate and improve property conditions for residents’ health and safety and is awaiting consideration through the democratic process. This limits the opportunity for ‘rogue’ landlords to operate in Newport. Officers also have other powers to regulate conditions of all properties across in the city. Supplementary Planning Guidance provides thresholds to prevent over-concentrations of HMOs in an area (with a maximum threshold of 15%). The HMO policy will be considered further and incorporated into the Replacement Local Development Plan, which will be subject to public consultation in due course. The Council had prosecuted an estimated three out of the 450 companies and wanted reassurance that residents’ safety was put above everything else. The Council was under extreme pressure regarding the budget and resources. Steps were taken to mitigate this by way of technology. It was not appropriate to comment on individual cases but taking steps to pin down landlords and the Council was encouraging community led intelligence to help with prosecutions. Question 2: Question to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning Following my continued questions about the Local Toilet Strategy over the last six months the Cabinet Member has now confirmed that the strategy has been reviewed in line with chapter 10 of the original strategy and it is available online. Chapter 10 lays out timescales set out by The Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, which as we know have not been followed, and also states that “the council will publish a statement of steps it has taken in accordance with the strategy” – again this has not been done. The review undertaken has essentially slimmed the initial 16 action plan points down to 14, removing such actions as point 1 which originally ensured that the council would protect publicly accessible toilets for the future and point 13 which was a feasibility study about providing temporary nighttime public toilets to reduce anti-social behaviour thereby assisting the police in their duties. The new action plan simply says that all points are “ongoing”. Can the Cabinet Member please explain why in the five years since it was first published there has been very little action on this strategy by the Council apart from removing action points and thereby continuing to leave the residents of Newport in a quandary as to where they can spend a penny? The Council were delayed in reviewing the toilet strategy due to the continued pressure on budgets and staffing capacity. The Council only operates a small number of publicly accessible toilets and provision is heavily reliant on the leisure sector and private sector businesses. The Council is content that despite delays, the strategy addresses the intent of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017. The duty to prepare a strategy does not require local authorities to provide and maintain public toilets directly. Please note that point 1 of the Action Plan remains unchanged following the review of the strategy. I am exploring potential options for “public-private” partnerships with the relevant officers and teams. Action point 1 was still in the strategy however, the wording had changed. Could Councillor Adan look into the wording and contact Councillor Reeks regarding this. Councillor Adan would look into this and get back to Councillor Reeks. This concluded the meeting.
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