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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 hybrid meetings held on the 6th November and 27th November at 4pm and 5pm as an accurate reflection of the meeting subject to the following additions to be included as follows: Councillor Sheryl Evans – In attendance in the Chamber at 4pm on the 27th November Councillor W Treeby- In attendance online at 5pm on the 27th November Councillor S Trask -In attendance online at 5pm on the 27th November Councillor Sera Evans wished to request that her name is listed in full (as Councillor Sera Evans) on future Council minutes for ease of reference (and to distinguish from Councillor Sheryl Evans).
RESOLVED: 1. To note the Provisional 2025/26 Local Government Settlement, announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government on the 11th December 2024; 2. To note that the Final 2025/26 Local Government Settlement is expected on the 25th February 2025; and 3. To note the approach to budget consultation for 2025/26 as already determined.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the External Auditor report – “Audit of Accounts Report” (Appendix 1); 2. To approve and note the Welsh Church Act Fund Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial year 2023/24 (Appendix 2); and 3. To approve and note the Letter of Representation relating to the Welsh Church Act Fund (Appendix 3).
RESOLVED: 1. To note and adopt the provisions of the Prescribed Requirements Regulations and the amendments made to those regulations by the Amendment Regulations as the Council’s local CTRS for 2025/26, subject to the local discretions that the Council is able to exercise and subject to the regulations being approved by Welsh Government on 21st January 2025 and coming into force on 24th January 2025; 2. To note the outcome of the consultation exercise undertaken by the Council on the local discretions applicable to the CTRS for 2025/26; and 3. To confirm the discretions applicable to the Council’s local CTRS for 2025/26 as set out at paragraph 5.3 (Table 2) of this report.
RESOLVED to agree the recommendations from the Council’s VER Panel, to approve the Chief Officer severance packages (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report) in accordance with the Council’s approved 2024/25 Pay Policy statement.
RESOLVED to adopt the Notice of Motion with the alteration.
The Presiding Member welcomed Members and Officers to the Hybrid Council meeting held in Llys Cadwyn, Pontypridd.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declarations pertaining to the agenda were made: In relation to Agenda Item 7. Welsh Church Act Fund Annual Report 2023/2024: Name Organisation Councillor W Lewis SiopFach Sero Councillor A Morgan Dan-Y-Las Environmental Group and the Fernhill and Glenboi Community Centre and the Nos Galan Committee Councillor Treeby Nos Galan Committee Councillor A Crimmings Nos Galan Committee Councillor M Maohoub Nos Galan Committee Councillor D Grehan Tyn Y Bryn Park Councillor D Owen-Jones Tyn Y Bryn Park Councillor M Norris Cambrian Village Trust Councillor G Jones Trecynon Free Library & Institute Councillor A S Fox Penrhiwceiber Lee gardens Pool Committee Councillor R Lewis Cor Meibion, Abercynon Councillor S A Bradwick Maesyffynnon Allotments, Aberdare Councillor C Leyshon Great Western Colliery Preservation Trust Ltd Councillor J Edwards – “I support groups who are in receipt of the Welsh Church Act Fund” ITEM 5. MEMBERS QUESTIONS County Borough Councillor K Johnson – Personal – “I am an employee of Transport for Wales” County Borough Councillor J Brencher – Personal- “ My son works for Transport for Wales” ITEM 6. COUNCIL REVENUE BUDGET 2025/26 - PROVISIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT SETTLEMENT Councillor J Smith – “My partner is a serving member of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service” ITEM 12. THE COUNCIL'S SENIOR MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE The Director of Legal & Democratic Services: “I wish to declare a personal interest in agenda item 12 on behalf of all officers present and whose posts are referenced in the report and its appendices. Officers shall remain in the meeting during discussion of the item and advise on any procedural matters”.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid meetings held on the 6th November and 27th November at 4pm and 5pm as an accurate reflection of the meeting subject to the following additions to be included as follows: Councillor Sheryl Evans – In attendance in the Chamber at 4pm on the 27th November Councillor W Treeby- In attendance online at 5pm on the 27th November Councillor S Trask -In attendance online at 5pm on the 27th November Councillor Sera Evans wished to request that her name is listed in full (as Councillor Sera Evans) on future Council minutes for ease of reference (and to distinguish from Councillor Sheryl Evans).
The Council RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the hybrid meetings held on the 6th November and 27th November at 4pm and 5pm as an accurate reflection of the meeting subject to the following additions to be included as follows: Councillor Sheryl Evans – In attendance in the Chamber at 4pm on the 27th November Councillor W Treeby- In attendance online at 5pm on the 27th November Councillor S Trask -In attendance online at 5pm on the 27th November Councillor Sera Evans wished to request that her name is listed in full (as Councillor Sera Evans) on future Council minutes for ease of reference (and to distinguish from Councillor Sheryl Evans).
The following announcements were made: Ø The Leader of the Council wished to congratulate the Deputy Leader, Councillor M Webber on receiving the British Empire Medal in the King’s New Year's honours list for services to her community in Rhydyfelin. He referred to Councillor Webber’s tireless work for many years not only as Deputy Leader but also for the community in her ward and her work with RCT Veterans and events such as decorating her ward for the Eisteddfod. He added that the residents in her community hold her in such high regard. Councillor Morgan commented on the huge support Councillor Webber has provided to her residents and volunteers during difficult times such as Covid. The Leader commented that sadly, Rhydyfelin has suffered from flooding on many occasions and Councillor Webber has always been at the forefront to support her community. The Leader concluded that he is privileged to work alongside Councillor Webber. Ø The Mayor provided an update on various fundraising concerts and events over the next couple of months to raise much needed funds for the Mayors Charities concerts as follows: 14th February (tickets £10)-at St George’s Church, Cwmbach, featuring the Penderys Choir, Taff Ely Ladies and Park Primary School; 13th March (tickets £10) –at Pentre Comrades Club, featuring Treorchy Male Voice, the famous Richard William singers and the soloist Emily Richards; 28th March plus the Mayor’s Prize draw-at St Elven’s Church, Cwmdare Male Voices, Tonyrefail Ladies, soloist and the Primary School will entertain (tickets on sale shortly). Ø Councillor A S Fox wished to announce that his constituent, Diane Locke, received the British Empire Medal in the King’s New Year's honours for services to the community of Penrhiwceiber. Councillor Fox added that Diane’s community work spans several decades and she is a founding member of the Lee Gardens Pool Group in Penrhiwceiber which is now a seven day week operation and has a far reaching impact on the residents it serves. Every team needs a key driving force and that force is Diane, on behalf of Councillor Williams, we would like to thank Diane for her efforts. Ø Councillor C Middle made an announcement in collaboration with Councillor L Ellis to acknowledge and congratulate boxer Rhys Edwards of Penygraig on his recent achievements. Before turning professional, Rhys Edwards won 5 Welsh and 2 British titles as an amateur boxer. He was called up to fight Peter McGrail as part of the build up to the Tyson Fury fight in Saudi Arabia, he lost his fight but the people of Penygraig were very proud of him in the way he conducted himself and as he represented Wales on the World Boxing stage. He volunteers at Rhondda’s Amateur Boxing Club in Penygraig and coaches alongside the Welsh team at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. He is a positive role model, passionate about environmental sustainability and is the face of RCT’s very own recycling campaign ‘Rhys Cycling’. Councillor Middle requested that a letter of congratulations is sent from the Mayor to Rhys. Ø Councillor S J Davies wished to congratulate Niamh James of Llantrisant, who has Down's syndrome, has been honoured with the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Certificate. This accolade is a testament to her unwavering commitment and perseverance. Niamh's journey through the Duke of Edinburgh program has been nothing short of inspirational. Her dedication to personal growth, her relentless effort to improve her skills, and her contributions to the community through various service projects are truly commendable. Councillor S J Davies concluded that Niamh stands as a model to all young people, demonstrating that determination and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements. Ø Councillor G Holmes submitted a petition on behalf of residents for the Cross Keys PH Llantrisant to be retained as a public house and not changed to offices and storage. Ø Councillor R Lewis wished to acknowledge the winner of the silver award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School, Mr Richard Owen, Headteacher at Aberdare Community School, at the National Teaching Awards 2024 which was held in London. Councillor Lewis added that Mr Owen was winner of the 2024 Headteacher of the Year award at the Welsh Government Professional Teaching Awards last July and as winner, went forward to the UK National Teaching awards final. The UK judging panel met with staff, pupils and members of the community who described Mr Owen as a ‘determined, empathetic and inspirational leader who is committed to raising aspirations for all pupils and works to foster a school environment where every child feels supported and empowered to succeed’. Ø Councillor B Harris wished to congratulate Mr Tony Wynne, who is from Treorchy but who, together with his brothers, is known UK wide through his support of amateur boxing over the years. He was awarded the MBE in the in the King’s New Year's Honours list for services to amateur boxing and Councillor Harris wished to congratulate him on his achievement.
1.Question from County Borough Councillor D. Owen-Jones to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader please provide an update on the progress of the delivery of the major scheme to dual a section of the A4119 carriageway?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: The Leader advised that the scheme has been a priority for this administration and it was a commitment to complete the scheme during this Council term. He added that resurfacing works were carried out prior to the Christmas break which was a little delayed due to weather. The scheme was due to be completed and open by September 2024 however there is still some work to be completed, off carriageway, so until this has been signed off this section will remain closed. The Leader also advised that there are currently three teams on site and the Council is working with the contractor to close out the remaining works before handover within the next few weeks. Supplementary Question from Councillor D Owen-Jones: Councillor D Owen-Jones commented that over the last few weeks he had received a backlash from residents, seeing this section of the highway complete yet it is still not open and the electorate are keen to see the end of the work and calling the definitive date in. Councillor D Owen-Jones asked what are the benefits of the scheme once completed? Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan commented that there has been significant investment in the area with infrastructure being installed for utilities such as water and power supplies. The Council secured funding to build a large industrial unit on the site which is now occupied. The Council has previously discussed the site for use with major developers and businesses and those looking for large sites in South Wales, bringing with them large amounts of potential employment, unfortunately the regular traffic issues were an issue. The Leader advised that the aim of the scheme is to address the traffic issues/movement and to improve local connectivity to the strategic Rhondda Gateway region by improving traffic flow in this busy commuter area and generating jobs for residents. 2.Question from County Borough Councillor S. Emanuel to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “With communities in my ward of Treherbert being impacted during Storm Bert, can the Leader provide a statement on the causes of flooding and confirm whether the issues originated from an area of land that NRW are working on?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan did not wish to pre-determine the outcome of the statutory Section 19 report which will be forthcoming due to the number of properties that were flooded. He added that the area of Treherbert saw significant flooding during Strom Bert and he had personally seen the photos and videos which suggest the water emanating off the mountainside flowed down the main carriageway from the mountain and water rushing into the side streets. Councillor Morgan commented that initial investigations have identified the private ordinary watercourse structures to have overtopped. Further investigations are now ongoing to determine the full picture of the source of flooding, including a review of the catchment. Councillor Morgan added that he has written a further letter following his initial meeting with NRW asking them to address a number of issues. He commented that there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that some of the forestry management practices could potentially exacerbate the flooding and he confirmed that he has asked NRW to undertake a formal investigation on their side in addition to the Council’s Section 19 flood investigation report which will become a published document. There was no supplementary question 3.Question from County Borough Councillor J. Edwards to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader please make a statement on the £25m announced by the U.K. Government for coal tip safety and outline what share of this Rhondda Cynon Taf can expect to receive?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan welcomed the £25M UK Government contribution in addition for this financial year to the Welsh Government contribution, taking the total of funding available for coal tips for the forthcoming financial year to over £30M. Councillor Morgan commented on the good news that the UK Govt recognise that they should contribute and that there is a request for a 3 year package of funding is close to £100m. The first year of funding of £25M and in the spring comprehensive spending review Councillor Morgan is hopeful that the Chancellor will set out the following year’s allocation and whether it will be front loaded. In terms of the tip safety in RCT, Councillor Morgan referred to the significant funding available and while the focus has been on Tylorstown, work has been carried out on a number of other tips in Ynysir (a privately owned tip) and focussing on drainage. The Council is well resourced within the Council’s Tip Safety team as they have, since their inception, developed a proven record of delivering major tip work and a programme of minor maintenance. Councillor Morgan advised of work undertaken in other areas such as in Cefnpennar, upgrading using monitoring equipment to monitor water levels and movement, taking photographs using modern technology. He added that the funding has been very positive. In conclusion, the Leader commented that if Climate Change is here to stay then there needs to be sustained investment to increase monitoring of the tips now and in the future of both tips in council and private ownership. Supplementary Question from Councillor J Edwards: Councillor Edwards requested an update on the Tylorstown and Wattstown tips. Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan confirmed he recently visited the Tylorstown tip before Christmas with the Deputy First Minister whose portfolio includes coal tip safety. Councillor Morgan added that work is progressing well onsite with a lot of drainage works being undertaken as where the tip has been reprofiled there are areas where water is being channelled with drainage ditches. He added that installation of the pump track on the site adjacent to the Rhondda Fach walkway will progress to completion this financial year. In terms of Wattstown National Tip, Councillor Morgan explained that mitigation and drainage works were completed last summer and if funding is obtained, the aim is to investigate further the sub-surface drainage on the tip and, where required, instigate replacement and improvement to drainage. 4.Question from County Borough Councillor S. Rees to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader provide an update on the progress of the much-awaited Cynon Gateway and outline whether any progress is being made with Welsh Government on taking the major scheme forward?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan responded that this is a scheme that the local members are really keen to see delivered. At present the project team are exploring procurement options in order to take the scheme forward with support from Welsh Government. He confirmed that he had positive discussions with Ken Skates as the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for transport. A bid has been submitted for the forthcoming year, £450,000 from Welsh Government with a smaller match funding from the Council. Councillor Morgan advised that the project team are currently reviewing previous designs and are in the process of considering the best procurement route for contactors to undertake the design and build scheme, assessing whether the existing live planning permission is adequate and working through a funding profile. He confirmed it will not tie up with completion of sections 5 and 6 for the Heads of the Valleys which means an additional inconvenience in that location. The Leader also confirmed that a similar size bid has progressed for the Llanharan scheme. There was no supplementary question 5.Question from County Borough Councillor L. A. Tomkinson to the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, County Borough Councillor B. Harris: “Can the Cabinet Member please make a statement on the re-opening of the Muni Arts Building in Pontypridd?” Response of Councillor B Harris: Councillor Harris advised that following £5.3m investment from UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund – alongside contributions from the Council, Awen and Welsh Government, he was pleased to confirm that all re-development works have been completed and Y Muni is now fully operating as a thriving arts and culture hub. Councillor Harris explained that the building first re-opened on Saturday 3rd August 2024, in time to host a successful programme of events as part of the Eisteddfod, with Awen Cultural Trust providing the event and venue management services. He added that by the 10th of September 2024, Awen Cultural Trust signed a Lease and Services Agreement to operationally manage the building alongside a varied and exciting opening season of events from September onwards. This began with Y Muni’s first official full re-opening to an audience of over 250 people on Saturday 14th September with Ponty Live! – bringing together 140 different performers, including Pontypridd Male Voice Choir, Pontypridd Theatre Company, Bethan Nia, & The People the Poet. Councillor Harris commented that since then, Y Muni has hosted a packed programme of live music, comedy, and events, including; the Sustainable Schools Conference, which gave an insight into the potential for future similar hires within the space and the new BBC Comedy Awards, further raising the venues profile. Feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive and the former Muni Arts Centre has been given a new lease of life. Councillor Harris welcomed working with Awen Cultural Trust to support the success of Y Muni as a regional landmark that builds upon the existing cultural provision within the Pontypridd town centre. There was no supplementary question due to the lapse of the allotted time.
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication provided an update to the Council Work Programme for the 2024/25 Municipal Year. He advised that, as previously announced, the Leader’s Annual Debate will take place at the Council meeting to be held on the 12th February and the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board will attend the Council meeting on the 2nd April 2025 (at an extra ordinary meeting at 4pm) to provide an update to Members.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the Provisional 2025/26 Local Government Settlement, announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government on the 11th December 2024; 2. To note that the Final 2025/26 Local Government Settlement is expected on the 25th February 2025; and 3. To note the approach to budget consultation for 2025/26 as already determined.
The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital And Frontline Services presented his report which set out information in respect of the 2025/26 Provisional Local Government Settlement, and initial comments on its likely implications for the delivery of Council services. The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital And Frontline Services advised of the key headlines to have arisen from the settlement which was received on the 11th December: Ø A 4.3% increase in funding at an all Wales level; Ø 4.8% increase for Rhondda Cynon Taf (slightly updated from 4.7% following a correction to the originally published tables); Ø A number of transfers into the settlement; Ø A continuation of specific grants (although uncertainty around the basis of allocation, specifically the eliminate profit funding which as was reported in Quarter Two which the Council relies on to the amount of £6.9M); Ø An increase of £1.6m to the Council’s Capital Funding Core allocation. The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services advised that the implications for Council are set out in section 5 of the report, taking into account the early budget reduction measures already reported in November 2024 of £10.280M. An additional base budget requirement set out in Table 2 including an energy budget reduction, inescapable budget pressures around Children’s and Adult Social Services in particular, the need to put a core budget in place for major weather event resilience, response and recovery, additional costs of National Insurance contributions further to the UK Government budget in October and the need to replenish the Council’s general reserves back to £10M (The Group Director reminded Members that this was reduced by £1M in the immediate aftermath of Storm Bert). The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services referred to Table 3 at paragraph 5.10 of the report shows and brings this altogether leaving a budget gap of £6.823Mand it will now be for the Cabinet to consider the implications of the above scenario in the preparation of its draft budget strategy. At point 6 of the report, some of the parameters are used as a guide constructing the budget are set out and the Group Director reminded Members that a 1% increase in Council Tax would generate an additional income for the Council of £1.097M noting that a 4% increase is already modelled in arriving at the Council’s remaining budget gap. The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services commented that while next year’s budget becomes the priority focus over the coming period, it is important not to lose sight of the medium term context, and while next year’s settlement was far more positive than originally anticipated, the Group Director reminded Members that the Council’s cost base has continued to rise and that at this point in time the financial outlook remains extremely challenging beyond next financial year. He added that it is important to continue with the Council’s strategy of identifying budget reduction and service transformation options early. The Leader thanked finance officers for the comprehensive report. He commented that the provisional settlement is far more positive than anticipated with the uplift for RCT standing at 4.8%. He added that, as set out in the report, the additional pressures have been rightly built into the budget such as for major weather events and that Cabinet will shortly receive an update report in respect of Storm Bert to consider any further recommendations. The Leader advised that increasing the Council Tax to close the existing budget gap would mean facing a council tax rise of around 10% which he would never support. He added that every year since he has been Leader of the Council and with the support of the Cabinet and the Council administration, the council tax has remained below 5% and that continues to be the expectation going forward. The Leader commented that Cabinet will consider the final recommendations and the budget consultation feedback and look to find a way to minimise the one off reserves used this year. He concluded that a 4.8% rise is far better than a 4% cut and Members need to be mindful that this Council is over £20M better off than it was under the previous Government’s spending assumptions. All Group Leaders present were provided with the opportunity to comment on the report. The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor K Morgan, referred to table 2 on page 55 and asked if the increase in employer contributions also apply to the treatment of members allowance. Councillor K Morgan also referred to the Council outsourcing its long term domiciliary home care and hoped that the council would not need to consider increasing the home care charges to the individual being cared for in view of its decision. The Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor K Johnson thanked the Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services and his team for the opportunity to meet to consider the Budget, he considered that the Council Tax levy of 4% remains a huge increase for many residents and made a commitment that the Conservative Group will work collaboratively with the Council to help reduce that burden. RESOLVED: 1. To note the Provisional 2025/26 Local Government Settlement, announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government on the 11th December 2024; 2. To note that the Final 2025/26 Local Government Settlement is expected on the 25th February 2025; and 3. To note the approach to budget consultation for 2025/26 as already determined.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the External Auditor report – “Audit of Accounts Report” (Appendix 1); 2. To approve and note the Welsh Church Act Fund Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial year 2023/24 (Appendix 2); and 3. To approve and note the Letter of Representation relating to the Welsh Church Act Fund (Appendix 3).
In his report the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services advised that the Council has administrative responsibility for the Welsh Church Act Fund and the audit of the fund annual report and financial statements provide Members, in their role as trustees, with assurances that the Council discharges these responsibilities effectively. The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services commented that there was one amendment required through the audit process to the related party disclosure note which has been updated but he assured Members that there was nothing further in the Auditor’s report which needs to be brought to Members’ attention. Audit Wales propose to give an unqualified or clean audit opinion on the account. The Leader paid particular thanks to the Council’s Regeneration Officers for their hard work in overseeing the fund on behalf of the Local Authority. It was RESOLVED: 1. To consider the External Auditor report – “Audit of Accounts Report” (Appendix 1); 2. To approve and note the Welsh Church Act Fund Annual Report and Financial Statements for the financial year 2023/24 (Appendix 2); and 3. To approve and note the Letter of Representation relating to the Welsh Church Act Fund (Appendix 3).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note and adopt the provisions of the Prescribed Requirements Regulations and the amendments made to those regulations by the Amendment Regulations as the Council’s local CTRS for 2025/26, subject to the local discretions that the Council is able to exercise and subject to the regulations being approved by Welsh Government on 21st January 2025 and coming into force on 24th January 2025; 2. To note the outcome of the consultation exercise undertaken by the Council on the local discretions applicable to the CTRS for 2025/26; and 3. To confirm the discretions applicable to the Council’s local CTRS for 2025/26 as set out at paragraph 5.3 (Table 2) of this report.
The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services advised that the report represents the annual requirement for Council to adopt a council tax reduction scheme (CTRS) for the forthcoming financial year. He added that it is a national Welsh Government scheme with a small number of local discretions which are reviewed annually. The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services confirmed that the report sets out the proposed arrangements for next year including the appropriate up-ratings and technical amendments as set out in Welsh Government regulations. He added that with regard to the local discretions, the proposal is to continue with them unamended. Whilst the consultation feedback was mixed, it is felt the discretions, as currently applied, affords a degree of protection for those vulnerable and low income households and with particular regard to backdating for the six month period. As Members will recall, the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services commented that this was extended to six months from three months in January 2019 with the roll out of Universal Credit to minimise the impact on households because of delays to persons receiving Universal Credit. He added that with the subsequent cost of living crisis this extended period is one which is considered beneficial to continue and would avoid low income households being burdened with additional council tax debt and subsequent recovery actions due to delays in application processes. Following discussion the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director - Finance, Digital and Frontline Services noted Members’ comments for review in respect of next year’s consultation process and also how key information is provided to consultees. It was RESOLVED: 1. To note and adopt the provisions of the Prescribed Requirements Regulations and the amendments made to those regulations by the Amendment Regulations as the Council’s local CTRS for 2025/26, subject to the local discretions that the Council is able to exercise and subject to the regulations being approved by Welsh Government on 21st January 2025 and coming into force on 24th January 2025; 2. To note the outcome of the consultation exercise undertaken by the Council on the local discretions applicable to the CTRS for 2025/26; and 3. To confirm the discretions applicable to the Council’s local CTRS for 2025/26 as set out at paragraph 5.3 (Table 2) of this report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to agree the recommendations from the Council’s VER Panel, to approve the Chief Officer severance packages (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report) in accordance with the Council’s approved 2024/25 Pay Policy statement.
Following a recommendation from the Council’s Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Panel, the Director of Human Resources advised that Council approval was sought for two Chief Officer severance packages (as detailed in the report) in accordance with the Council’s approved 2024/25 Pay Policy statement. Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to agree the recommendations from the Council’s VER Panel, to approve the Chief Officer severance packages (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report) in accordance with the Council’s approved 2024/25 Pay Policy statement.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to adopt the Notice of Motion with the alteration.
To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion which was submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1 and received by the Proper Officer, standing in the names of County Borough Councillors: S. Emanuel, A. J. Dennis, L. Addiscott, M. D. Ashford, J. Barton, D. R. Bevan, J. Bonetto, S. Bradwick, J. Brencher, G. Caple, J. Cook, A. Crimmings, S. J. Davies, V. Dunn, E. L. Dunning, J. Edwards, J. A. Elliott, L. Ellis, R. Evans, S. Evans, A. S. Fox, B. Harris, S. Hickman, G. Holmes, G. Hopkins, G. W. Hughes, W. Hughes, G. Jones, G. O. Jones, R. R. Lewis, W. Lewis, C. Leyshon, M. Maohoub, C. Middle, A. Morgan, N. H. Morgan, S. Morgans, M. A. Norris, D. Owen-Jones, D. Parkin, S. Powderhill, C. Preedy, S. Rees, A. Roberts, G. Stacey, L. A. Tomkinson, W. Treeby, J. Turner, G. L. Warren, K. Webb, M. Webber, D. Williams, G. E. Williams, R. Williams, T. Williams, R. Yeo. The effects and dangers - both present and future - of climate change are well established, and these have certainly been evident in our communities over recent years with more frequent extreme weather events being experienced, most notably Storm Dennis almost five years ago and Storm Bert at the end of last year. Wales has been right at the forefront of the fight against climate change, being the first nation in the world to declare a climate emergency, setting ambitious targets for carbon reduction nationally, and matching that ambition with firm actions. Wales is now, for example, second in the world for global recycling rates; and is currently working towards further improving this position. A key aspect of the wider climate strategy is the drive for the public sector to be carbon neutral by 2030 and zero waste by 2050. Local authorities are right at the forefront of this partnership and are driving forward a range of initiatives that contribute to this. In a local context, this Council has built climate considerations into its Corporate Plan as a key foundation and, in line with this, has undertaken a range of measures to drastically reduce carbon emissions, improve recycling rates and make our communities more resilient. Achieving our climate goals, however, remains the greatest challenge facing this Council and Members will have been encouraged by the various progress reports we have received and the adoption of key strategies such as the Corporate Decarbonisation Strategy. Central to this effort of achieving our goals and meeting our responsibilities is the role of partnership working between Welsh Government, Local Government, the 3rd sector and private partners. However, the most important aspect of this drive is the role that our residents play in buying in and supporting these efforts, both for the current generation and our future generations. Whilst these successes must be recognised, it is also vital to acknowledge that more must be done as we strive toward hitting our local, national, and global targets. This Council therefore notes: · That climate change continues to present a significant danger to our communities, country, and the world. More must be done to protect our climate. · That the Council and other partner organisations have a critical role in focussing the conversation on climate change and exchanging ideas and best practice to achieve targets more effectively and efficiently. · That these outcomes can only be realised through a full partnership between all levels of government, sectors and, most importantly, the public. The Council subsequently resolves to: · Reconfirm this Council’s commitment to achieving our climate goals and meeting our ambitions to create a clean and green RCT that improves and protects our environment and nature. · Request that Officers bring forward a report to a future Council meeting to outline the progress that the Council is making. With the consent of the proposer and in accordance with the Council’s Rules of Procedure 12.7 the following alteration to the Motion was voted on and moved (as set out in red below). · Request that Officers bring forward an annual progress report to a future Council meeting to outline the progress that the Council is making. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the Notice of Motion with the alteration.
Resolved to agree the following Resolution: “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 12 and 13 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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