Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee endorses the West Wales Dementia Strategy, the delivery of which will be overseen by the West Wales Care Partnership’s Dementia Steering Group.
RESOLVED That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee supported rent increase option 2A The Chair then drew the attention of the Committee to page 266 of the agenda, where additional recommendations were outlined in respect of new builds, acquisitions and void properties. Moved by Councillor Joshua Beynon; Seconded by Councillor Di Clements The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Joshua Beynon, Di Clements, Pat Davies, Bethan Price, Jordan Ryan, Sam Skyrme – Blackhall, Aled Thomas, Michele Wiggins, Michael Williams and Steve Yelland [10] Abstained: Councillor Jordan Ryan [1] RESOLVED That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee supported the following: a. Continue with the proposal to introduce a Living Rent level for new build general needs houses being brought into the HRA asset portfolio, b. Acquired properties that are introduced into the HRA asset portfolio for the 2023- 2024 have the flexibility of setting an affordable rent level in line with the Pembrokeshire Standard Rent or Living Rent level as appropriate for that property (dependent on its condition and energy efficiency rating); and for the following, the rental income would be excluded from the overall income cap: c. Void properties whose energy efficiency level have been improved to the highest rate possibly given the fabric and design of the property (therefore by more than the one EPC level suggested by WG) would be charged Living Rent level. d. Voids properties whose energy improvements are undertaken so that EPC levels are improved by at least one rating to be moved to Standard Rent levels.
RESOLVED That it be recommended that the draft Procurement Strategy be endorsed and that the Committee wished to stress the importance of advertising tenders to small and medium-sized enterprises in and around Pembrokeshire in a timely fashion.
RESOLVED That the Committee recommends the Draft Public Participation Strategy for approval by Cabinet, incorporating feedback from the public consultation as appropriate
In respect of Item 5 – West Wales Care Partnership’s Dementia Strategy, Councillor Joshua Beynon declared a personal interest by virtue of his employment at Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Moved by Councillor Joshua Beynon; Seconded by Councillor Steve Yelland The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 October 2022 be approved as a correct record.
No public submission/correspondence were received.
The Chair advised the following: · Item 6 – Draft Public Participation Strategy 2022 -2027 would be moved to the end of the agenda. · Item 9 – Housing Revenue Account – Rent Setting Policy Options for 2023 – 2024 would be moved to follow item 5. It was noted that this was to accommodate Cabinet Members, who had other Meeting commitments.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee endorses the West Wales Dementia Strategy, the delivery of which will be overseen by the West Wales Care Partnership’s Dementia Steering Group.
The Chair welcomed the West Wales Care Partnership Programme and Change Manager to the Meeting, who then presented the draft West Wales Care Partnership’s Dementia Strategy for the consideration of the Committee. In considering the Dementia Strategy, the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Di Clements queried the timescales for the next steps highlighted within the Strategy and future funding. It was confirmed that Welsh Government funding was ongoing and had been provided since 2018, with no indication that funding would stop. In terms of timescales, it was noted that there was more work to do in this area and the priorities of the strategy were highlighted. · Councillor Di Clements referred to the challenges around accessing GP services. In response the Memory Assessment Service and People in Care Work programme work streams were highlighted, with it noted that one of the key priorities of those work streams was the development of relationships with GPs to understand how the diagnostic process could be supported, while acknowledging the broader challenges. · Councillor Michael James highlighted the challenges for Care Homes with the increase in people being diagnosed with dementia and concerns over whether there would be enough carers to look after the increased demand. The Programme and Change Manager highlighted that gaps in capacity did have a knock on effect and advised that in her broader role was looking at how capacity could be increased in the region. She highlighted ongoing work in this area, which included the Admiral Nursing Service, introduced in March 2021, using Welsh Government Dementia funding; and training courses for carers in managing their own well-being. · The Char reiterated the concerns over the knock on effects of GP capacity, the accountability of the strategy and how the West Wales Partnership would make this the forefront of the agenda, while recognising other priorities they were trying to meet. In response, the Programme and Change Manager outlined the governance structure, which included the Dementia Steering Group. Reference was also made to the All Wales Dementia Care Pathway of Standards and what was expected on a national level across Wales. Moved by Councillor Di Clements; Seconded by Councillor Joshua Beynon The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee endorses the West Wales Dementia Strategy, the delivery of which will be overseen by the West Wales Care Partnership’s Dementia Steering Group.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee supported rent increase option 2A The Chair then drew the attention of the Committee to page 266 of the agenda, where additional recommendations were outlined in respect of new builds, acquisitions and void properties. Moved by Councillor Joshua Beynon; Seconded by Councillor Di Clements The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Joshua Beynon, Di Clements, Pat Davies, Bethan Price, Jordan Ryan, Sam Skyrme – Blackhall, Aled Thomas, Michele Wiggins, Michael Williams and Steve Yelland [10] Abstained: Councillor Jordan Ryan [1] RESOLVED That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee supported the following: a. Continue with the proposal to introduce a Living Rent level for new build general needs houses being brought into the HRA asset portfolio, b. Acquired properties that are introduced into the HRA asset portfolio for the 2023- 2024 have the flexibility of setting an affordable rent level in line with the Pembrokeshire Standard Rent or Living Rent level as appropriate for that property (dependent on its condition and energy efficiency rating); and for the following, the rental income would be excluded from the overall income cap: c. Void properties whose energy efficiency level have been improved to the highest rate possibly given the fabric and design of the property (therefore by more than the one EPC level suggested by WG) would be charged Living Rent level. d. Voids properties whose energy improvements are undertaken so that EPC levels are improved by at least one rating to be moved to Standard Rent levels.
The Cabinet Member forHousing Operations and Regulatory Services introduced the report highlighting the importance of considering rent levels and the impact it can have on what the service can deliver. She advised that when it came to rent setting her priority was about safeguarding the business plan and the ability to deliver that plan. The Head of Housing and Public Protection presented the report highlighting the rent setting options for Pembrokeshire Council housing stock for 2023-2024 against the backdrop of the Welsh Government’s Rent and Service Charge Standard 2020-2025; comparison of social and private rent levels in Pembrokeshire; and affordability of Pembrokeshire Council rents compared with income levels. The Finance Manager then outlined the rent setting options and provided further financial detail on the options for the Committee and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The Cabinet Member for Housing Operations and Regulatory Services drew attention to the HRA Working Group, who had met the week before to consider the rent setting options, which had received mixed views. She concluded that her preferred option would be Option 2A, which would be the same percentage increase of 6.5% to all properties, and that this was due to the long-term financial viability of the business plan and the ability to be able to support tenants. In considering the report and presentation, the following key points were highlighted: · Councillor Di Clements queried whether any modelling had been done on the impact of the rent setting options on vulnerable people who were already struggling financially. The Head of Housing and Public Protection advised that it was complicated for officers to model using an incremental approach, as trying to model the potential rent increases according to those bandings was difficult without breaching the actual overall rental cap. It was highlighted that a same percentage increase was easier to administer and model and less complicated for tenants. It was noted that due to the late timescales of receiving information from Welsh Government they had not been able to model on current rent setting. · The Head of Housing and Public Protection highlighted the need to move to a more proactive awareness raising of support to tenants through the Visiting Officer role, who provide financial advice to tenants. She also outlined that increased capacity for this financial support was required to support tenants, while also making tenants more aware of the various financial support that was available. · In response to a query from Councillor Di Clements on modelling on savings for retro fitting homes, the Head of Housing and Public Protection highlighted the work ongoing in this area and referred to the optimised retrofit programme. · The Head of Housing and Public Protection, in response to a request from the Chair, provided further detail on the Joseph Rowntree model, with it noted that it only looked at rent and did not include energy costs. · In terms of rent arrears, which was highlighted by Councillor Michael Williams, the Head of Housing and Public Protection stated that the Authority was seeing an increase in rent arrears, which was happening across Wales. It was noted that rent collection remained high, with this Authority being in the top percentile across Wales. · In response to a query about Welsh Government funding from Councillor Michael Williams, the Head of Housing and Public Protection outlined the grant funding was received from Welsh Government as a Major Repairs Allowance for maintaining council housing stock and that there was a working assumption that this grant funding would be maintained at current levels. · Councillor Pat Davies referred to the business plan and commented that it was a 30 year plan and that the Authority needed a business attitude and highlighted the importance of building houses. · The Finance Manager, on request, clarified that in terms of income generation Option 1A would generate £1.2 Million and Option 2A would generate £1.566 Million. · Councillor Aled Thomas commented that it was important to note that with the same percentage options which also included the up to £2 increase per week on individual rent levels, this would still level up rents but would take longer and better in the long term. In response, the Cabinet Member for Housing Operations and Regulatory Services highlighted the Void to Standard Rent Policy and the benefits of that policy in terms of levelling up rents, which does not have a detrimental impact on the business plan. · Councillor Sam Skyrme – Blackhall reiterated the importance of building houses to address current housing situation and to continue in line with the business plan. · Councillor Steve Yelland highlighted his concerns over the 30% of tenants, who were not on benefits, and so shoulder the biggest burden. He advised it would have been more beneficial for him to see more information on the arrears situation and an impact assessment to be able to make an informed decision. · The Chair reiterated with other Members that the biggest issues he had were housing related concerns from residents and highlighted that this was a complex and difficult decision; however, he believed needed to make a decision that would ensure better services and housing. Councillor Joshua Beynon Moved that it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee supported rent increase option 2A. Councillor Di Clements Seconded the Motion but highlighted that the Authority needed to make sure that there were the resources available to make sure that the tenants impacted were signposted correctly and provided with the help and support they required. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Joshua Beynon, Di Clements, Pat Davies, Bethan Price, Jordan Ryan, Sam Skyrme – Blackhall, Aled Thomas, Michele Wiggins, and Michael Williams [9] Against the Motion: Councillor Steve Yelland [1] Abstained: Councillor Jordan Ryan [1] RESOLVED That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee supported rent increase option 2A The Chair then drew the attention of the Committee to page 266 of the agenda, where additional recommendations were outlined in respect of new builds, acquisitions and void properties. Moved by Councillor Joshua Beynon; Seconded by Councillor Di Clements The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Joshua Beynon, Di Clements, Pat Davies, Bethan Price, Jordan Ryan, Sam Skyrme – Blackhall, Aled Thomas, Michele Wiggins, Michael Williams and Steve Yelland [10] Abstained: Councillor Jordan Ryan [1] RESOLVED That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Committee supported the following: a. Continue with the proposal to introduce a Living Rent level for new build general needs houses being brought into the HRA asset portfolio, b. Acquired properties that are introduced into the HRA asset portfolio for the 2023- 2024 have the flexibility of setting an affordable rent level in line with the Pembrokeshire Standard Rent or Living Rent level as appropriate for that property (dependent on its condition and energy efficiency rating); and for the following, the rental income would be excluded from the overall income cap: c. Void properties whose energy efficiency level have been improved to the highest rate possibly given the fabric and design of the property (therefore by more than the one EPC level suggested by WG) would be charged Living Rent level. d. Voids properties whose energy improvements are undertaken so that EPC levels are improved by at least one rating to be moved to Standard Rent levels.
The meeting adjourned at 11.45am and reconvened at 11.55am [Councillor Sam Skyrme – Blackhall was not in attendance for the remainder of the meeting].
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That it be recommended that the draft Procurement Strategy be endorsed and that the Committee wished to stress the importance of advertising tenders to small and medium-sized enterprises in and around Pembrokeshire in a timely fashion.
The Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance introduced the report highlighting that the Procurement Strategy was aimed at promoting a responsible procurement across the whole Authority, striking a balance between the provision of detailed guidance and still allowing a flexible framework, within which required outcomes were achieved efficiently and risk was managed appropriately. The Head of Procurement presented the draft Procurement Strategy 2023 – 2027 highlighting it’s priorities and aims for the consideration of the Committee. In considering the the draft Procurement Strategy 2023 – 2027 the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Chair outlined that as part of his role as Chair of this Committee he had met with the Farmers Union for Wales, who had highlighted some of the issues that they have with contracts. This included some of the smaller suppliers who did not feel confident to apply for larger contracts and it was queried whether there was scope to look at this to ensure that there was confidence from smaller suppliers, while also growing the local economy. The Head of Procurement outlined the work carried out in this area and referred to the national procurement website and meet the buyer events, while also advising that it was important to keep communication channels open and that people are confident that it was a fair and transparent process. · Councillors Di Clements and Steve Yelland referred to capacity to resource the strategy and provide smaller companies with advice and support. In response the Head of Procurement stated that more resource would be beneficial; however, highlighted the context of the wider financial challenges. · In response to a query from the Chair on how it worked internally to ensure other teams did as much of the legwork as possible before coming to procurement, the Head of Procurement highlighted the key was to clear specifications from other departments. · Councillor Di Clements asked that more strength be put into communicating with businesses in advance of publishing. Moved by Councillor Di Clements; Seconded by Councillor Michael James The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That it be recommended that the draft Procurement Strategy be endorsed and that the Committee wished to stress the importance of advertising tenders to small and medium-sized enterprises in and around Pembrokeshire in a timely fashion.
The Cabinet Member for Residents' Services introduced the report and highlighted that they were at the start of a process of developing a regional transport plan, which would be developed through the South West Wales Joint Committee. The Head of Infrastructure presented the update report on work streams feeding into the development of a Transport Plan, with the Committee being asked to consider and provide feedback on the various ideas and aspirations for developing a transport plan for Pembrokeshire and the South-West region. In considering the report the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Di Clements queried how realistic the development of a regional transport plan was with financial budget pressures. She also referred to challenges around rural bus routes. The Cabinet Member for Residents' Services recognised the financial constraints; however, there was a need to take a longer-term view on some of these issues. In terms of bus routes, the Head of Infrastructure advised that in the short term there would be budget issues, but the plan was medium to long term. He highlighted the benefits of flexi bus services as part of the solution. · In response to a query from Councillor Di Clements on shared use paths data, it was noted that there was a breakdown of data and that could be provided in a future update. · It was suggested by Councillor Di Clements that there could be better provision for secure storage for bikes. The Head of Infrastructure provided further information on secure places for bikes, giving two examples in Haverfordwest, while acknowledging that it was something that needed to be further developed. · Councillor Michael Williams highlighted his concerns over the use of batteries with electric cars and commented that he thought the future was in hydrogen. He also referred to rail transport issues, with the obsession over East/West rather than North/South routes and the insular approach of central government in respect of HS2. He concluded by saying that he believed the future should be to invest in rail. · Councillor Aled Thomas referred to the issues he encountered as a train commuter to London and that improved rail services to Pembrokeshire would benefit the local economy. · It was commented by Councillor Aled Thomas that consideration needed to be given to disability when developing a transport plan. · In response to Councillor Pat Davies on the uptake on cycle to work scheme, the Head of Infrastructure advised that had not recently been promoting it due to working from home; however, it was now something to pick up on. He also highlighted the need to encourage schools to promote travel to schools other than cars. The Cabinet Member for Residents' Services highlighted the ongoing work of the ‘Help to Travel Charter’ with large employers. The Head of Infrastructure advised that he had noted the points raised and would include these in the planning process of the Transport Plan. The Chair requested that a further update be provided to the Committee in six to nine months, which could include the data on shared use paths and regional working. The Committee noted the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Committee recommends the Draft Public Participation Strategy for approval by Cabinet, incorporating feedback from the public consultation as appropriate
The Cabinet Member for Corporate Improvement & Communities introduced draft Public Participation Strategy 2022 – 2027 highlighting that the purpose of the strategy was to improve democratic participation. It was noted that the draft strategy was currently out to public consultation, and that the outcomes of that consultation and the feedback of this Committee would feed into the report due to be considered by Cabinet in January 2023. The Corporate Research and Policy Officer presented the Draft Public Participation Strategy 2022 – 2027 report, with Members asked to consider that the strategy met the needs of the Local Government & Elections Act; the timescales for production and revision of the strategy; and the context within which the strategy was being produced and resources available for its delivery. The Committee then considered the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Aled Thomas queried the lack of reference to the Welsh Language in the Strategy. In response the Corporate Research and Policy Officer highlighted that there was a five year Welsh Language Strategy in place, which would be running in parallel and supporting this policy and gave assurance that everything in this strategy would be fully accessible in Welsh and English. · Councillor Di Clements asked whether feedback was provided to people who engaged in the consultation process. The Corporate Research and Policy Officer referred to the new online engagement system (Engagement HQ), which enabled that follow up facility. She highlighted that part of the strategy was to look at whether can align ‘My Account’ and Engagement HQ more closely. · Councillor Aled Thomas suggested that some interim timescales be added to ensure elected members can continue to scrutinise. The Chair concurred and following his request it was agreed that an update on the Strategy be provided to this Committee in the future. · In response to a query from Councillor Jordan Ryan, the Corporate Research and Policy Officer provided an update on simultaneous Welsh translation, with Democratic Services working towards providing that service at the next full Council. Moved by Councillor Joshua Beynon; Seconded by Councillor Di Clements The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee recommends the Draft Public Participation Strategy for approval by Cabinet, incorporating feedback from the public consultation as appropriate
The Committee considered the Forward Work Programme for 2022-23 with it noted that the updates on the Draft Participation Strategy and Transport Plan items had both been agreed to be added to the forward work programme, with timescales to be confirmed.
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.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.