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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 21st October 2024 as an accurate record.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the report. 2. To give formal approval to commence a statutory school organisation consultation with the relevant stakeholders on the proposal to close the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and amend the catchment area for post-16 provision to place Mountain Ash Comprehensive School in the catchment of Aberdare Community School. It is proposed that the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School closes by no later than September 2026. To enable the closure of the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School by this date, no new year 12 sixth form pupils would be admitted in September 2025. 3. To give formal approval to report back to Cabinet to consider the Consultation Report and determine whether to publish the Consultation Report and approve the publication of the proposal in the form of a Statutory Notice. 4. To give delegated authority to the Director of Education and Inclusion Services to make any minor changes required to the draft Consultation Document prior to its publication and the statutory school organisation consultation commencing.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the report. 2. To note the information contained within the attached Consultation Report, attached as Appendix A to the Cabinet Report, which includes: • Minutes of the Governing Body and Staff meeting. • Minutes of the School Council Meeting. • Estyn’s full response. • Feedback from Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee which met on 11th September 2024, provided by the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication. 3. To progress the proposals to the next stage of the consultation process by issuing an appropriate Statutory Notice which will trigger the start of the Objection Period.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the operational changes and base budget reduction measures / updates which have been identified by the Senior Leadership Team and which can now be factored into next year’s budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan; 2. To approve the revised senior management structure within Legal and Democratic Services; and 3. To note the 2025/26 budget and Council Tax setting timetable as attached at Appendix 2.
RESOLVED: 1. To agree on the core principles associated with the proposed development of future school improvement models as detailed in Section 5.5 of the report. • To receive a further report detailing a proposal for a future school improvement service model for Rhondda Cynon Taf, and that this report be pre-scrutinised by the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee in advance of Cabinet consideration. • To provide the Director of Education and Inclusion Services with the delegated authority to implement any revised school improvement service models following approval of this report.
RESOLVED: 1. That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995 as amended, the amount calculated by the Council as its net tax base for the financial year 2025/26, shall be £80,440.26; and 2. That for each defined community area of the County Borough, the 2025/26 tax base for Council Tax setting purposes, shall be as set out at Appendix 1.
RESOLVED: Revenue i. To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2024 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary). ii. To request that Cabinet approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - e of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council's Financial Procedure Rules. Capital iii. To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2024 (Sections 3a – e of the Executive Summary). iv. To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 30th September 2024 (Section 3f of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives v. To note the Quarter 2 progress updates against the well-being objectives set out in the Council’s new Corporate Plan ‘Working With Our Communities 2024 – 2030’ (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary).
RESOLVED: 1. To note the good progress achieved by Service Areas in delivering the five outcomes set out in Recommendation 2.1 of the Cabinet report dated 15 May 2023; and 2. To receive a further update report on further progress at the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
RESOLVED: 1. To acknowledge the new statutory functions of the Local Authority in respect of special procedure licensing, as conferred by the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 (“The Act”), which will come into effect on 29th November 2024; 2. To approve that the functions required of the Council and as set out in Schedule 3, paragraph 21 of the Act are conferred on the Council’s Licensing Committee established under Section 6 of the Licensing Act 2003 and update the Council’s Constitution as required to reflect the same; 3. To delegate the powers set out in the Act, listed in 4.7 of this report to the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services in order to deal efficiently with applications and enforcement; and 4. To approve the schedule of charges for Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC, in accordance with the All Wales licence fee structure described in 4.5 of this report.
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Heritage Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024-2030.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the feedback and recommendations of the Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Committee, which pre-scrutinised the contents of the CIL Annual Monitoring Report and the proposed changes to the Regulation 123 List at its meeting held on 12th November 2024; 2. To approve the CIL Annual Monitoring Report; 3. To approve the Regulation 123 List for publication on the Council website for a period of 28 days and consultation as set out in paragraph 5.5 of the report; and 4. To approve the subsequent adoption of the Regulation 123 List if no adverse comments are received.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the comments and feedback of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2023/24 at its meeting held on 16th October 2024; and 2. To approve the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2023/24.
RESOLVED: 1. To note and endorse the content of the 2023/24 annual Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board report, attached at Appendix 1 of the report.
RESOLVED: 1. To agree to the contents of the Social Services Annual report (attached as Appendix 1 of the report); and 2. To note the work undertaken by the Customer Feedback, Engagement and Complaints Team
RESOLVED: “That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”.
The Leader welcomed Members and Officers to the Cabinet meeting and apologies for absence were received from the Deputy Leader and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language declared a personal interest in respect of Item 7 (Responding to Welsh Government’s Middle Tier Review – Future Direction for School Improvement Services) – ‘I am the Vice-Chair of the South Wales Education Consortium”.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 21st October 2024 as an accurate record.
The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 21st October 2024 as an accurate record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.
The Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication provided Cabinet with the feedback and comments of the items that were pre-scrutinised by the Council’s thematic Scrutiny Committee’s following its last Committee cycle. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the report. 2. To give formal approval to commence a statutory school organisation consultation with the relevant stakeholders on the proposal to close the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and amend the catchment area for post-16 provision to place Mountain Ash Comprehensive School in the catchment of Aberdare Community School. It is proposed that the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School closes by no later than September 2026. To enable the closure of the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School by this date, no new year 12 sixth form pupils would be admitted in September 2025. 3. To give formal approval to report back to Cabinet to consider the Consultation Report and determine whether to publish the Consultation Report and approve the publication of the proposal in the form of a Statutory Notice. 4. To give delegated authority to the Director of Education and Inclusion Services to make any minor changes required to the draft Consultation Document prior to its publication and the statutory school organisation consultation commencing.
The Director of Education and Inclusion Services presented the report, which sought formal approval to begin the relevant and required statutory school organisation consultation to close the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and amend the catchment area for post-16 provision to place Mountain Ash Comprehensive School in the catchment of Aberdare Community School, in line with the requirements of the Welsh Government’s (WG’s) School Organisation Code (2nd Edition) (011/2018). Subject to Cabinet approval, it was proposed that the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School closes by no later than September 2026. To enable the closure of the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School by this date, no new year 12 sixth form pupils would be admitted in September 2025. Those pupils currently in the sixth form would continue their studies at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School under the existing arrangements. The Director spoke of the Council’s statutory duty, through its approach to the organisation and leadership arrangements of schools, to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of provision to ensure that all schools are well placed to deliver high quality education that meets the needs of the community and makes the best use of public funding. Members were referred to section 4 of the report, which detailed the rationale for the proposal and were informed that the number of sixth form pupils had fallen sharply by 43% (62) from 144 in 2014/15 to 82 in 2023/24, and this had fallen even further to 72 this academic year. The Leader, as Local Member, was disappointed to note the decline in pupil numbers at the school but acknowledged that individuals had to make a choice about whether they continue their studies in sixth form or college, which has an impact on numbers at the school. The Leader noted that approximately 75% of the learners in Mountain Ash Comprehensive School had dual registration status, meaning they received some of their post-16 education at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and some at other schools within the post-16 consortium for the locality, namely Aberdare Community School and/or St. John Baptist Church in Wales High School. The Leader noted that it was highly likely that all sixth form pupils living in the catchment area of Mountain Ash Comprehensive School would be entitled to free home to school transport to Aberdare Community School. The Leader was supportive of the proposals, acknowledging that closing sixth forms is never an easy decision but that the viability of the school longer term would place more pressure on other services within the school. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language thanked the Director for the report. The Cabinet Member echoed the Leader’s comments around data trends indicating a clear decline in sixth form pupils at the school and recognised the need to consider the sustainability of the provision. The Cabinet Member noted that the Governing Body of Mountain Ash Comprehensive School shared concerns regarding the viability of the sixth form provision and was content with the rationale to consult upon the proposals. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the report. 2. To give formal approval to commence a statutory school organisation consultation with the relevant stakeholders on the proposal to close the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School and amend the catchment area for post-16 provision to place Mountain Ash Comprehensive School in the catchment of Aberdare Community School. It is proposed that the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School closes by no later than September 2026. To enable the closure of the sixth form at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School by this date, no new year 12 sixth form pupils would be admitted in September 2025. 3. To give formal approval to report back to Cabinet to consider the Consultation Report and determine whether to publish the Consultation Report and approve the publication of the proposal in the form of a Statutory Notice. 4. To give delegated authority to the Director of Education and Inclusion Services to make any minor changes required to the draft Consultation Document prior to its publication and the statutory school organisation consultation commencing.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the report. 2. To note the information contained within the attached Consultation Report, attached as Appendix A to the Cabinet Report, which includes: • Minutes of the Governing Body and Staff meeting. • Minutes of the School Council Meeting. • Estyn’s full response. • Feedback from Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee which met on 11th September 2024, provided by the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication. 3. To progress the proposals to the next stage of the consultation process by issuing an appropriate Statutory Notice which will trigger the start of the Objection Period.
The Service Director of 21st Century Schools and Transformation advised Members of the outcome of the recent consultation in respect of the proposal to establish a new Welsh medium primary school for 3 to 11 year olds as part of the Llanilid housing development and the proposed change of language medium of Dolau Primary School from dual language to English medium. It had been proposed that the new Welsh medium primary school would open no later than the 2027 academic year. Members attention was drawn to the consultation report attached at appendix 1 to the report, which included the following: · Information in respect of meetings held to discuss the proposal, with copies of the minutes taken at these meetings. · Estyn’s response to the proposal and the clarification to the response. · A summary of the responses received during the consultation period and where required the appropriate clarification to any issues raised. In total, 99 written responses were received, 4 in writing/or via email and 95 via online survey. 50 (50.5%) were in favour of the proposal, 37 (37.4%) were against the proposal, 10 (10.1 %) was unsure and 2 (2.1%) did not provide an answer. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language took the opportunity to thank officers for undertaking the consultation and for compiling the report before Members. The Cabinet Member also extended his thanks to those who responded to the consultation and to the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee for its valuable comments and feedback. The Cabinet Member noted that from the consultation responses, the majority were in favour of the highly ambitious proposals. The Cabinet Member also noted that, if agreed, the proposals would benefit the WESP targets for 2022 to 2032, as the Council seeks to grow the number of Welsh learners within RCT, in line with Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 vision. The Cabinet Member was pleased to note that there would be an increase in capacity at Dolau Primary School, recognising the growth in developments within the wider area. The Cabinet Member was content with the rationale and with the consultation responses received and as such, moved the recommendations contained within the report The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the content of the report. 2. To note the information contained within the attached Consultation Report, attached as Appendix A to the Cabinet Report, which includes: • Minutes of the Governing Body and Staff meeting. • Minutes of the School Council Meeting. • Estyn’s full response. • Feedback from Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee which met on 11th September 2024, provided by the Service Director of Democratic Services and Communication. 3. To progress the proposals to the next stage of the consultation process by issuing an appropriate Statutory Notice which will trigger the start of the Objection Period.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the operational changes and base budget reduction measures / updates which have been identified by the Senior Leadership Team and which can now be factored into next year’s budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan; 2. To approve the revised senior management structure within Legal and Democratic Services; and 3. To note the 2025/26 budget and Council Tax setting timetable as attached at Appendix 2.
Following his update to Cabinet in September 2024 on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2027/28, the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Finance, Digital and Frontline Services provides Cabinet with an update on operational decisions and base budget reduction measures, which had already been identified and the consequential financial implications which could now be factored into the Council’s budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan. The report set out a number of early budget reduction measures and budget updates amounting to £10.280M, to be factored into the budget requirement and draft budget strategy for 2025/26; along with a timetable for the agreement of the 2025/26 Revenue Budget Strategy, Council Tax Setting and the 3-year Capital Programme. The Leader acknowledged the amount of work undertaken by officers to identify further efficiencies and stressed that it was becoming more and more difficult to avoid impacting on services to the public. The Leader believed that the proposed operational changes were sensible and used the proposed closure of several bowling greens as an example by clarifying that many of which had not been used for a sustained period. The Leader continued and explained that the Council would be starting the next financial year with a £7.5M budget gap, due to the use of the Council’s reserves, regardless of the UK Budget. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change echoed the comments made by the Leader and the Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the operational changes and base budget reduction measures / updates which have been identified by the Senior Leadership Team and which can now be factored into next year’s budget and the Medium Term Financial Plan; 2. To approve the revised senior management structure within Legal and Democratic Services; and 3. To note the 2025/26 budget and Council Tax setting timetable as attached at Appendix 2.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To agree on the core principles associated with the proposed development of future school improvement models as detailed in Section 5.5 of the report. • To receive a further report detailing a proposal for a future school improvement service model for Rhondda Cynon Taf, and that this report be pre-scrutinised by the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee in advance of Cabinet consideration. • To provide the Director of Education and Inclusion Services with the delegated authority to implement any revised school improvement service models following approval of this report.
The Director of Education and Inclusion Services presented the report, which sought Cabinet approval about the future direction for school improvement services in response to the conclusions of the Welsh Government’s ‘Middle Tier Review’. The Director provided Members with information regarding WG’s Middle Tier review conclusions and provided details of how the recommendations are being addressed within Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Director spoke of concerns about the delivery of school improvement services, which had been widespread in Wales for some time, with concerns that arrangements did not sit well with local authority statutory responsibilities for the performance of schools in their area. Across the five local authorities within the Central South Consortium region views of, and satisfaction with, the service vary. As a consequence of these concerns, Welsh Government commissioned a review of Improvement Services, referenced as the Middle Tier Review. Subject to Cabinet approval, it was proposed that the detailed operating models for local school improvement arrangements, would be underpinned by the core elements outlined in section 5.5 of the report. Local proposals would outline transitional plans and the proposed staffing structures, delivery and partnership arrangements and any associated timescales. The Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language thanked the Director for the report. Referring to the detailed review commissioned by Welsh Government and carried out by Professor Dylan Jones, which was summarised at section 4.2 of the report, the Cabinet Member was content with the rationale and the next steps detailed within the report. The Cabinet Member commented that the overall decision making process would be aided greatly by pre-scrutiny and proposed the following amendment to recommendation 2.2 for consideration: “To receive a further report detailing a proposal for a future school improvement service model for Rhondda Cynon Taf, and that this report be pre-scrutinised by the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee in advance of Cabinet consideration.”, to which Members agreed. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To agree on the core principles associated with the proposed development of future school improvement models as detailed in Section 5.5 of the report. • To receive a further report detailing a proposal for a future school improvement service model for Rhondda Cynon Taf, and that this report be pre-scrutinised by the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee in advance of Cabinet consideration. • To provide the Director of Education and Inclusion Services with the delegated authority to implement any revised school improvement service models following approval of this report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995 as amended, the amount calculated by the Council as its net tax base for the financial year 2025/26, shall be £80,440.26; and 2. That for each defined community area of the County Borough, the 2025/26 tax base for Council Tax setting purposes, shall be as set out at Appendix 1.
The Head of Revenue and Benefits presented the report, which formally set the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2025/26. Under the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995, as amended, the Council is required to determine its Council Tax Base for the following financial year, prior to 31st December each year. It was explained that the Council Tax Base is the measure of the relative taxable capacity of different areas within the County Borough and is calculated in accordance with prescribed rules. The Tax Base represents the number of chargeable dwellings in the area expressed as Band D equivalents, taking into account the total number of exemptions, disablement reductions and discounts. The tax base also takes into account the impact of premiums that are being applied, the effect of which is to increase the tax base. The net Tax Base is calculated by taking account of the Council’s estimated collection rate. Members were informed that the gross Council Tax Base calculated for 2025/26 is £82,714.92. It was proposed that the collection rate is estimated to be 97.25%. This would produce a net Council Tax Base of £80,440.26, which meant that for every £1 levied in Council Tax next year, a sum of £80,440 would be generated to meet the budget requirement of the Council. Members were supportive of the Council Tax Base proposals and it was RESOLVED: 1. That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995 as amended, the amount calculated by the Council as its net tax base for the financial year 2025/26, shall be £80,440.26; and 2. That for each defined community area of the County Borough, the 2025/26 tax base for Council Tax setting purposes, shall be as set out at Appendix 1.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: Revenue i. To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2024 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary). ii. To request that Cabinet approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - e of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council's Financial Procedure Rules. Capital iii. To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2024 (Sections 3a – e of the Executive Summary). iv. To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 30th September 2024 (Section 3f of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives v. To note the Quarter 2 progress updates against the well-being objectives set out in the Council’s new Corporate Plan ‘Working With Our Communities 2024 – 2030’ (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary).
The Service Director of Finance and Improvement Services provided Cabinet Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective based on the first six months of this financial year (to the 30th September 2024). The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change noted that the report before Cabinet highlighted revenue budget cost pressures, particularly in relation to social care, primarily as a result of increase in demand and complexity of care. The Cabinet Member also spoke of the importance of Welsh Government’s Eliminate Profit, which supports service delivery across children’s services to continue beyond the current financial year, to which she was fully supportive. The Cabinet Member spoke positive of the Council’s ambitious and comprehensive Capital Programme, despite the challenging conditions services were operating within. The Cabinet Member referred to the visible improvements throughout the County Borough including schools, roads, leisure centres and empty properties being brought back into use. The Cabinet RESOLVED: Revenue i. To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2024 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary). ii. To request that Cabinet approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - e of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council's Financial Procedure Rules. Capital iii. To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2024 (Sections 3a – e of the Executive Summary). iv. To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 30th September 2024 (Section 3f of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives v. To note the Quarter 2 progress updates against the well-being objectives set out in the Council’s new Corporate Plan ‘Working With Our Communities 2024 – 2030’ (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the good progress achieved by Service Areas in delivering the five outcomes set out in Recommendation 2.1 of the Cabinet report dated 15 May 2023; and 2. To receive a further update report on further progress at the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
The Director of Corporate Estates updated Members with the progress being made in delivering the five outcomes set out in Recommendation 2.1 of the Cabinet report “The Council’s Office Accommodation Strategy, Workspace Plan: Fit For The Future & Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Operating Model and Working Arrangements Policy” dated 15 May 2023. Members were referred to section 5 of the report, which detailed progress in respect of the following areas: - Relocating the Council’s headquarters into the heart of Pontypridd town centre, utilising vacant floor space at 2 Llys Cadwyn; - Releasing the site at The Pavilions, Clydach Vale for redevelopment as a Special School; - Relocating services and staff at Ty Trevithick, Abercynon; - Relocating services and staff at Rhondda PSSO, Berw Road, Tonypandy; - Relocating services and staff at Municipal Offices, Pentre; - Relocating services and staff at Rock Grounds, Aberdare; - Relocating services and staff located at Ty Sardis, Pontypridd (excluding the Housing Solutions Services); and - Retaining Ty Sardis as the Council’s Housing Advice and Support Centre and facilitating the co-location of other specialist support and transitional housing accommodation provision currently in Pontypridd at a single, improved location. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change commented that excellent progress had been made on the delivery of the Council’s Office Accommodation Strategy and took the opportunity to extend her gratitude to officers. The Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development praised officers for the amount of work undertaken to deliver the Council’s Office Accommodation Strategy and commented that he was particularly looking forward to seeing the new school built in Clydach Vale. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the good progress achieved by Service Areas in delivering the five outcomes set out in Recommendation 2.1 of the Cabinet report dated 15 May 2023; and 2. To receive a further update report on further progress at the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To acknowledge the new statutory functions of the Local Authority in respect of special procedure licensing, as conferred by the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 (“The Act”), which will come into effect on 29th November 2024; 2. To approve that the functions required of the Council and as set out in Schedule 3, paragraph 21 of the Act are conferred on the Council’s Licensing Committee established under Section 6 of the Licensing Act 2003 and update the Council’s Constitution as required to reflect the same; 3. To delegate the powers set out in the Act, listed in 4.7 of this report to the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services in order to deal efficiently with applications and enforcement; and 4. To approve the schedule of charges for Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC, in accordance with the All Wales licence fee structure described in 4.5 of this report.
The Head of Public Protection and Regulatory Services advised Cabinet of the new statutory duties in respect of special procedures licensing which are conferred on the Council with effect from 29th November 2024 and that the Act requires the functions of the Local Authority to be delegated to an appropriate officer and the Licensing Committee, where necessary. The officer informed Cabinet that the fees for the Special Procedure Licensing regime had been calculated by the Special Procedures Implementation Group ("SPIG") and approved by The Directors of Public Protection Wales ("PPW") Group to be consistently applied by Local Authorities across Wales. The officer explained that where the Act is silent on where the delegation of powers rests and as such, it was proposed that these powers be delegated to the Director of Public Health, Protection, and Community Services. The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities thanked officers for the detailed report and was supportive of the recommendations contained within the report. The Cabinet Member recognised the mandatory requirements for the Licensing Scheme for Special Procedures, which reflected a lack of consistency of costs in line with the rest of Wales and the need for consistency with fees and charges, whilst considering the Council’s overhead and costs. It was also recognised that the intention of the Licensing Scheme was to improve standards of infection prevention and control, whilst ensuring the safety and health of clients and practitioners alike. The Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development was also supportive of the proposals and commented that it was a vital change going forward. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To acknowledge the new statutory functions of the Local Authority in respect of special procedure licensing, as conferred by the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 (“The Act”), which will come into effect on 29th November 2024; 2. To approve that the functions required of the Council and as set out in Schedule 3, paragraph 21 of the Act are conferred on the Council’s Licensing Committee established under Section 6 of the Licensing Act 2003 and update the Council’s Constitution as required to reflect the same; 3. To delegate the powers set out in the Act, listed in 4.7 of this report to the Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services in order to deal efficiently with applications and enforcement; and 4. To approve the schedule of charges for Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC, in accordance with the All Wales licence fee structure described in 4.5 of this report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Heritage Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024-2030.
The Head of Arts Culture and Library Services presented the report, which sought adoption by Cabinet of a new Heritage Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024-2030, as required by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), following a public consultation period that commenced on 17th July 2024 until 25th September 2024. Members were reminded of the vision set out in the Heritage Strategy, which was: “To celebrate and value the rich heritage of Rhondda Cynon Taf by showcasing our cultural legacy, recognising the people and stories that shape our history and preserving our buildings, collections and physical assets for the present and future generations.” In the development of the final Heritage Strategy, an on-line survey and engagement sessions were held, including at the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol (National Eisteddfod) and the following responses were received: · Online Survey – 210 responses received. · Engagement Sessions – 3 sessions held and 172 interactions with adults, 121 children and young people. Both the Strategic Culture and Arts Steering Group and the Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee acted as consultees on the draft Heritage Strategy. The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities spoke of RCT’s rich heritage and was excited to note that due to RCT being a National Lottery Heritage Fund priority area, the Council had been awarded a grant of £250k over a 3-year period to develop and deliver the Rhondda Cynon Taf Heritage Strategy and promote the County Borough’s rich heritage. The Cabinet Member spoke of his attendance at the launch of the Heritage website, which he praised for promoting RCT’s rich and diverse heritage to the world, encouraging tourism, attracting visitors and bringing financial benefits to the local economy. The Cabinet Member continued and emphasised the importance of preserving Rhondda Cynon Taf’s heritage and protecting and promoting the Welsh Language, which were key priorities of the Heritage Strategy. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Heritage Strategy for Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024-2030.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the feedback and recommendations of the Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Committee, which pre-scrutinised the contents of the CIL Annual Monitoring Report and the proposed changes to the Regulation 123 List at its meeting held on 12th November 2024; 2. To approve the CIL Annual Monitoring Report; 3. To approve the Regulation 123 List for publication on the Council website for a period of 28 days and consultation as set out in paragraph 5.5 of the report; and 4. To approve the subsequent adoption of the Regulation 123 List if no adverse comments are received.
The Head of Planning presented the report, which sought Cabinet’s approval in respect of the contents of the CIL Annual Monitoring Report and the proposed changes to the Regulation 123 List and advised Cabinet of the pre scrutiny by the Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee in respect of the Community Infrastructure Levy. The Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development took the opportunity to thank officers for the Annual Report and was happy to support. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change was also supportive of the recommendations contained within the report and took the opportunity to thank the Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Committee for the valuable input. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the feedback and recommendations of the Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Committee, which pre-scrutinised the contents of the CIL Annual Monitoring Report and the proposed changes to the Regulation 123 List at its meeting held on 12th November 2024; 2. To approve the CIL Annual Monitoring Report; 3. To approve the Regulation 123 List for publication on the Council website for a period of 28 days and consultation as set out in paragraph 5.5 of the report; and 4. To approve the subsequent adoption of the Regulation 123 List if no adverse comments are received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the comments and feedback of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2023/24 at its meeting held on 16th October 2024; and 2. To approve the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2023/24.
The Director of Social Services provided Cabinet with the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2023/24 for approval prior to its publication. The report had previously been considered by the Community Services Scrutiny Committee. The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care took the opportunity to thank the Director for producing and presenting the Annual Report for the 2023-2024 Municipal Year. The Cabinet Member endorsed the Annual Report, commenting that it highlighted the dedication of staff and the tremendous amount of work undertaken, despite budgetary pressures and the increase in challenges and demand. The Cabinet Member continued and praised Social Services for continuing to provide unequalled support to those who require it the most. The Cabinet Member recognised the continuous recruitment and retention issues and commented that it was imperative that both the UK Government and Welsh Government act together to create a national Health and Social Care Policy and pay framework with a sustainable funding model. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation and Climate Change echoed the comments and welcomed the case studies within the Annual Report. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the comments and feedback of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2023/24 at its meeting held on 16th October 2024; and 2. To approve the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2023/24.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note and endorse the content of the 2023/24 annual Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board report, attached at Appendix 1 of the report.
The Director of Social Services provided Cabinet with details of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board’s arrangements for safeguarding children and adults at risk. The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care noted the responsibility of the Council to ensure that people of all ages are protected from abuse, neglect, and harm. It was acknowledged that the production of an Annual Report was a statutory duty, which outlines the priorities and tasks to protect and safeguard all residents. The Cabinet Member endorsed the Annual Report, whilst acknowledging that it made sobering reading, particularly in a challenging and changing times. The Cabinet Member emphasised the greater need and focus to continually improve approaches to public protection, including the development of multi-agency partnership working such as MASH and Magu to focus on early intervention and prevention. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note and endorse the content of the 2023/24 annual Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board report, attached at Appendix 1 of the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To agree to the contents of the Social Services Annual report (attached as Appendix 1 of the report); and 2. To note the work undertaken by the Customer Feedback, Engagement and Complaints Team
The Director of Social Services provided Cabinet with an overview of the operation and effectiveness of the Council’s Statutory Social Services Complaints Procedure between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024. The report contained information on the background of the Social Services Statutory Complaints Procedure, information on lessons learnt from complaints and performance data for Adult and Children’s Social Services, together with achievements for 2023/24 and future developments. The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care took the opportunity to thank the Director for producing and presenting the comprehensive report which he felt was reflective of a robust representations and complaints procedure. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the importance of the Council receiving valuable feedback from the complaints and compliments process to drive service planning and improvement. The Cabinet Member noted that the increase in demand on children’s services had been reflected in the data contained within the Annual Report and referred to the 25.64% of complaints dealt with in the timescales. The Cabinet Member commented that this was unacceptable and provided assurance that he and the Director were working to improve this. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To agree to the contents of the Social Services Annual report (attached as Appendix 1 of the report); and 2. To note the work undertaken by the Customer Feedback, Engagement and Complaints Team
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: “That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”.
It was RESOLVED: “That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”.
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