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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 Notice of Motion be adopted and referred back to full Council for determination.
RESOLVED That the report be noted.
RESOLVED That the performance information attached to the report be noted.
RESOLVED That the development of the programme in line with the mission and headlines of the programme for administration and the Terms of Reference for the Improvement and Transformation Board, be noted.
RESOLVED That the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report for 2022-23 be noted.
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2022-23 be endorsed, prior to consideration by Council.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme for 2023-24 be noted.
Apologies were received from Councillors Maureen Bowen, Aaron Carey, Bethan Price and Michael Williams.
The Chair sought nominations for the role of Vice-Chair. Councillor Steve Alderman Moved that Councillor Mike Stoddart be duly elected; Seconded by Councillor Jacob Williams. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Mike Stoddart be duly elected as Vice-Chair.
There were no declarations of interest received.
Moved by Councillor Jonathan Grimes; Seconded by Councillor Alan Dennison. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. AGREED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 March 2023 be approved as a correct record, in both English and Welsh.
The Chair stated that an email item of correspondence had been received from a member of the public, Sharon Purcell, and would be discussed as part of Agenda Item 6. The Chair then read the email as follows: I support Cllr Carey's questioning of the Climate Emergency declared in 2019 and the need for a cost benefit analysis. Despite publicity stating that C02 is causing 'climate change', many scientists dispute this but are heavily censored. Extremely low levels of C02 would cause an Extinction Level Event as it is essential to life on earth and it is no coincidence that as levels have risen in this current cycle, vegetation is thriving with plants becoming more drought resistant. Given that the IPCC itself only takes manmade C02 levels into account and along with the pressures on PCC finances as well UKG national debt at 95% of GDP with interest currently at £115 billion per year, please can consideration be given to focussing on climate mitigation projects such as flood defences, rather than removal of an essential gas the benefits of which cannot be proved? The vast capital expenditure that would be incurred by the council - and residents in this time of constant cost of living increases - to replace current heating systems and cars along with the infrastructure needed to support these changes - is an unnecessary expense given the overall economic situation.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be adopted and referred back to full Council for determination.
The Committee considered a report by the Head of Infrastructure and Environment regarding the Notice of Motion relating to Costs Analysis of Climate Emergency, which was submitted by Councillor Aaron Carey to Council on 11 May 2023, as follows: The UK produced 331.5 million tonnes of CO2 last year (approximately 1% of the world output). Of that, Pembrokeshire produced 673,601 tonnes (approximately 0.2% of the UK output, or 0.00002% of the world output). Given the amount of pressure on our statutory services, staff, and budgets, along with potential costs running into the hundreds of millions of pounds, I propose that a full cost/benefit analysis be brought to full council for us to understand the true financial cost of the 'climate emergency' which was passed in May 2019. The Chair read an email from Councillor Aaron Carey regarding his Notice of Motion, which stated that he was not against being green, but was instead concerned about failing at the expense of the Council’s core services, as well as being concerned about a social service or a housing emergency occurring before any effects of a climate emergency were felt. He then wished to obtain an analysis of the financial and opportunity costs. The Energy and SD Manager introduced the item and gave a detailed overview of the climate emergency agenda and the Net Zero Plan. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • The Chair mentioned that the Net Zero Plan was a statutory requirement, therefore various technologies would be put in place by 2030/2050 and suggested that it would be premature for the Council to input various technologies now, when more advanced solutions could be available later down the line. He then sought clarification on a report by Swansea City Council which suggested a common approach across all Welsh Authorities. In response, the Energy and SD Manager stated that Swansea City Council had recognised the need for a common methodology and referred to conversations with Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot Council’s regarding a Wales wide approach, in partnership with the Wales Energy Service, who would engage consultants and develop a methodology. • Councillor Jonathan Grimes sought clarification in regards to how the new Celtic Freeport offshore wind would align with the Councils plan for Net Zero by 2030, and how the Council could capitalise on it. The Energy and SD Manager stated that the regional energy agenda was key to the Council and highlighted that offshore wind could decarbonise the electricity and gas grids for Pembrokeshire as a whole. He then highlighted that the Council would gain hugely from the Freeport, as it would accelerate the Regional Energy agenda and make Pembrokeshire an attractive place for businesses to locate. • In regards to a question from Councillor Mike James regarding non-domestic buildings, the Energy and SD Manager stated that the Refit Energy Efficiency Scheme was being actioned within schools and stated that at least half of schools now had LED lighting, with an aim to roll out to all other schools in the future. He explained that efficient lighting could reduce carbon intensity and energy use in a school by around 25 to 30%. He also mentioned that heat and hot water in buildings was difficult to action, but highlighted that he was currently investigating a 90% grant-funded scheme for heat pumps. • The Energy and SD Manager then highlighted that it would be impossible to get every building to be zero carbon as there would be residual emissions, but stated that he was working on a study to explore how residual emissions could be offset. [The Chair mentioned that he had received a late apology for the meeting from Councillor Maureen Bowen.] • Councillor Steve Alderman sought clarification as to how rural council houses would be retrofitted and the costs involved. In response, the Energy and SD Manager highlighted the Local Area Energy Plan, completed by each Authority, which was an in-depth study into where energy goes around the County. He stated that it was recognised in Pembrokeshire that there was a significant amount of off-grid properties where heat pumps would be a potential solution, but it would require the fabric of certain buildings to be upgraded to a higher standard. He also referred to the impacts of a hydrogen solution, homes as power stations through the Swansea Bay City Deal and how such energy solutions could benefit agriculture around the County. • The Chair then suggested a Members Seminar on the subject in the near future, to find out what was happening across local communities in regards to decarbonisation. Councillor Alderman agreed and stated that it would also be useful for communities to learn about the various grants available. • In response to a question from Councillor Alan Dennison regarding the efficiency of ground source heat pumps, the Energy and SD Manager assured Members that extensive research had been undertaken on heat pumps, but stated that he did not have specific information on how these were affected by ground temperature. • Councillor Jacob Williams stated his support for the Notice of Motion but raised a concern that there were more pressing emergencies than climate. He then suggested that a full cost benefit analysis be completed and sent to Cabinet for review. The Chair stated that it was not the right time to do a full cost benefit analysis as technologies could change. He highlighted that it would be beneficial to see what Welsh Government introduced regarding a common approach across Wales. • Councillor Williams then sought clarification as to whether a full cost benefit analysis would be a decision for Council or Cabinet. In response, the Head of Democratic Services stated that the matter would need to be referred back to Council for final determination. Councillor Williams then Moved a Recommendation to the effect that the Notice of Motion be adopted and referred back to full Council for determination. Seconded by Councillor Mike Stoddart. • Councillor Mike Stoddart welcomed the Notice of Motion and raised concerns around the cost of decarbonisation in properties and non-domestic buildings and supported the need for a full cost benefit analysis. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Steve Alderman, Jonathan Grimes, Mike Stoddart and Jacob Williams [4] Against the Motion: Councillors Alan Dennison, Mike James and Michael John [3] There were no abstentions. RESOLVED That the Notice of Motion be adopted and referred back to full Council for determination.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the report be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Deputy Chief Finance Officer (Deputy S151 Officer) regarding the Treasury Management Strategy 2023-24 to 2026-27, including Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Annual Investment Strategy. Councillor Alec Cormack, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Finance, outlined the main points of the report and highlighted that the Council had a statutory obligation to prepare and approve the Treasury Management Governance Arrangements on an annual basis, namely the Treasury Management Strategy, the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and the Annual Investment Strategy. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • The Chair sought clarification as to whether it would be beneficial to offer mandatory financial training for the Committee Members. In response, the Deputy Chief Finance Officer/Deputy S151 Officerstated that a training session was organised for July 2023 for all Members and encouraged participation. She then welcomed the idea of specific training for certain Members and would be happy to arrange with the Committee. • The Chair then wished for clarification in regards to point 3 at the end of page 35 of the Agenda, which stated: ‘It is not prudent for Councils to make any investment or spending decision that will increase the CFR, and so may lead to new borrowing, unless directly and primarily related to the functions of the Council…’ In response, the Deputy Chief Finance Officer/Deputy S151 Officer explained that it referred to the Council not borrowing in excess of the Capital Financing requirement, as well as ensuring that the Council did not make decisions in excess of the agreed cap. • Councillor Mike Stoddart sought clarification in regards to 0% interest loans mentioned under the previous item and whether they would go against the borrowing requirement. In response, the Deputy Chief Finance Officer/Deputy S151 Officer stated that the 0% loans were from Welsh Government and were paid back by the Council over an agreed period of time. • In summing up, the Committee noted the information provided and did not wish to make any recommendations to Cabinet or any other Committees on any areas of concern at this time. The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the performance information attached to the report be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive regarding the Performance Measurement Quarterly Monitoring and the Corporate Scorecard as at March 2023. Councillor Neil Prior, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Improvement and Communities, outlined the main points of the report and highlighted that the Corporate Scorecard covered a wide range of Council services and that it existed to measure and report in order to help improve the Authority. He stated that he was interested in the Committee’s views in regards to whether anything needed to be explored further or added. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • The Chair stated that the layout of the scores was clear and useful. He then referenced the clear improvements of the Contact Centre, as outlined in the report. The Chair then queried the amount of days lost to sickness, with specific reference to the high percentage of stress indicated by staff. In response, Councillor Prior suggested that it related to pressures dealt with as a sector over the past few years, namely the Covid-19 pandemic and the financial challenges around the cost of living crisis. The Corporate Planning Manager then stated that this area was monitored through and all-Wales HR group and highlighted that the outlined sickness rates were not unusual compared with other local authorities, but explained that this area needed to be looked at in more detail. • Councillor Alan Dennison sought clarification in regards to the number of adults waiting for an assessment of need graphs on page 81 of the Agenda. In response, theTransformation Team Leader explained that the first graph signified those who had previously had an assessment and were having a review, whereas the second graph signified those who were waiting for their first assessment. • Councillor Steve Alderman stated that he was impressed with responses received from the Contact Centre. The Business Change Manager thanked Councillor Alderman for his feedback and stated that she would pass it on to the team. • Councillor Mike Stoddart sought clarification in regards to the 5.56% of applications which had been determined against Officer advice, as outlined on page 89 of the Agenda. In response, the Director of Community Services explained that it related to application decisions made by the Planning Committee. Councillor Stoddart wished for that to be made clearer in the report. • The Chair then referred to page 88 of the Agenda in regards to Housing and Homelessness and stated that it was a stark reminder of how homelessness levels had increased from 2021 to 2023. He then thanked relevant Officers for their work in that department and for their efforts under such extreme pressure. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Jonathan Grimes. The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the performance information attached to the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the development of the programme in line with the mission and headlines of the programme for administration and the Terms of Reference for the Improvement and Transformation Board, be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive regarding the development of the Improvement and Transformation Programme in line with the Programme for Administration, the findings of the Town and Community Council Survey and the Terms of reference for the Improvement and Transformation Board. Councillor Neil Prior, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Improvement and Communities, outlined the main points of the report and stated that aims of the Board had been evolved and highlighted that there were now four key areas as follows: • Governance • Customer Focus • People and organisational culture • Digital, data and technology Councillor Prior highlighted that other areas were linked to his Cabinet portfolio, with focus on creating better relationships with staff and colleagues as well as with communities and people across Pembrokeshire. He stated that there was explicit focus on supporting communities to ultimately try and build community capacity, capability and confidence. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • The Chair stated that work with communities was very important going forward as there were various services and functions being handed over to communities, therefore he welcomed engagement and support. The Business Change Manager highlighted that work was ongoing with the Clerks of Town and Community Councils and the team was actively listening and putting solutions in place to support communities where possible. • Councillor Steve Alderman raised concerns regarding ongoing issues with a play park being installed in Angle, through the Community Asset Transfer scheme. The Business Change Manager assured Councillor Alderman that it had been identified as an area of key consideration and work was underway with Council Officers and third parties. • In response to a question from Councillor Alan Dennison regarding encouraging County Councillors, who were also Town and Community Councillors, to engage with surveys, Councillor Prior stated that the most recent survey had run for around six weeks and extensive reminders were sent. He highlighted that the aim was to build engagement with Town and Community Councils in order to work in partnership with them and with communities in general. Councillor Prior recognised that progress was slow but engagement was increasing. He stated he would find out how many Elected Members were also Town and Community Councillors. • Councillor Mike James referenced Officers visiting Town and Community Councils in order to address various concerns and stated that it was very helpful in ensuring communities were aware of the relevant information. The Chair echoed these comments and stated how beneficial it was for Officers to explain various aspects of Council services. • Councillor Alderman drew attention to the upcoming change to speed limits across the County and suggested that there would be the need for extensive explanations for various Communities. The Business Change Manager stated that she would make Councillors Alderman’s observation known to the Officers dealing with the matter and encouraged Members to engage with the Consultation regarding the upcoming change. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the development of the programme in line with the mission and headlines of the programme for administration and the Terms of Reference for the Improvement and Transformation Board, be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report for 2022-23 be noted.
[Councillor Alan Dennison left the meeting at this juncture.] The Committee considered a report by the Director for Education regarding the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report for 2022-23. The Chair welcomed Councillors Delme Harries and Aled Thomas to the meeting, as Members Champions for Welsh Language. Councillor Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education and Welsh Language, firstly apologised for presenting the report to Cabinet without the views of the Committee, and mentioned that he had asked for the item to be added earlier to next years agenda. He then stated that whilst progress had been made in allowing Members to speak their language of choice in meetings, the system was not yet at the point of working fully, but encouraged progress to continue. Councillor Woodham also referred to the efficient and effective use of integrated impact assessments. The Director of Education then outlined the main points of the report. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • Councillor Aled Thomas highlighted that the figures outlined in the report were positive and praised the efforts of the Officers involved, as well as the drive of the Cabinet Member in wanting to improve the service. He believed that the lack of awareness from Members was the main issue, and suggested an in-person training session for all Members on the history of the Welsh Language and why it was important. • Councillor Delme Harries agreed with Councillor Thomas and stated that respect towards the Welsh language was important, as well as ensuring that future generations were seeing the presence of the language within the Administration. He then stated that the priority was to ensure that the translation system worked efficiently. • Councillor Mike James stated that he was proud to speak Welsh during Council meetings and thanked all those involved in making it happen. • The Chair stated that as a non-Welsh speaker, it was welcomed that Members speak Welsh if they wished and understood the frustrations around the technology not working fully. He then encouraged Members to voice any concerns on the matter as it would be going back to Cabinet in due course. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Welsh Language Standards Annual Report for 2022-23 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2022-23 be endorsed, prior to consideration by Council.
The Committee considered a report by the Head of Democratic Services regarding the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2022 – 23. The Head of Democratic Services outlined the main points of the report and stated that the report provided details of scrutiny activities from June 2022 to March 2023, and covered each of the five scrutiny committees, which would be presented to Council in July for consideration and endorsement. She then highlighted the recent survey undertaken to gather Members' views on the current Overview and Scrutiny Committee arrangements and give Members an opportunity to make suggestions for improvement. The Head of Democratic Services highlighted that there was a 67% response rate and gave thanks to those Members who took the time to complete the survey. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • Councillor Steve Alderman thanked the Head of Democratic Services for the report and believed that the Committee had appropriately explored what it was required to, over the last 12 months. The Chair agreed and highlighted that other non-statutory items had been identified by the Committee to be scrutinised. • Councillor Mike James thanked the Head of Democratic Services and the Democratic Services team for their support and praised the way meetings were conducted. • Councillor Jonathan Grimes suggested making it mandatory for Members to respond to surveys in order to gain the views of all Councillors, to ultimately make the role more effective and to implement improvements that would be crucial to the running of the Council. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Jonathan Grimes. The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2022-23 be endorsed, prior to consideration by Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme for 2023-24 be noted.
The Chair outlined the items scheduled for the September meeting and mentioned that a report from HR, specifically regarding pay and grading of Social Services staff, was discussed and decided on at the last pre-meeting of the Committee and would therefore be on the Agenda for September. The Head of Democratic Services then drew attention to a formal recommendation to be received in due course from the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in regards to the return of staff to County Hall. She stated that the Committee could decide how to take that item forward, as it was not within the remit of the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This was noted by the Committee. Moved by Councillor Michael John; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman. The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme for 2023-24 be noted.
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