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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: 1. Agree the process for considering and debating the Cabinet’s Budget Strategy and the amendment received to this Strategy by Non-Executive Members, as outlined in Appendix 1 of this report. Cabinet’s proposed revenue budget strategy for the forthcoming financial year 2025/26 The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director for Finance, Digital & Frontline Services presented his report which reflects the Cabinet’s proposed revenue budget strategy for the forthcoming financial year 2025/26. It has been consulted upon as part of the Council’s phase two consultation process which ran from 23rd January to the 7th February 2025. He advised that section 3 of the report sets out the broader financial context against within which the budget strategy has been developed. The Group Director referred to the Council’s general reserves, having been used to support the immediate response to Storm Bert with £1m allocated, with plans now in place to replenish that. The availability of the Council’s transitional funding that has been used successfully as part of the Council’s medium term service planning arrangements, helping to smooth the delivery of budget savings over a number of years while still allowing an annual balanced budget to be achieved. The Group Director stated that the latest Audit Wales conclusion, as part of its work, determined that, overall, the Council has appropriate arrangements to support its financial sustainability which provides a platform to address longer term budget challenges. Finally, the Group Director advised that there is a need for the Council to remain disciplined and to take its financial and judiciary duty seriously and demonstrate an approach which publicly demonstrates sound financial stewardship. The Group Director advised that the final local government settlement was received on the 20th February 2025 with no material changes to the provisional settlement, details of which were presented to Council on the 15th January. He reminded Members of the headlines of the final settlement are a 4.5% increase in funding at an all Wales level with this Council’s increase being at 4.8%. A funding floor was introduced into the final settlement to ensure that no council would receive an increase in funding of less than 3.8%. There was no indication of future years settlement levels but Welsh Government are expecting to receive multiyear settlements at the conclusion of the UK Government’s spending review. Specific grant funding continues to be a key feature of the annual settlement with £1.4B being allocated across Wales in this way. The Group Director reminded Members that the Council’s medium term financial plan, as presented to Council in September last year, projected a budget gap of £35.7M, this being based on likely funding scenarios and the Council’s cost base at that point in time. The updated settlement alongside the updated budget requirements and adjusting for budget reduction measures already agreed and implemented early left a remaining budget gap of £6.823M and it has been against this position that Cabinet’s budget strategy has been prepared. The Group Director referred to paragraph 7 of the report which sets out the components of the budget strategy. Firstly the Group Director advised of a Council tax increase of 4.7% for next year, which will see an increase of £1.02 per week for a Band A Property and £1.53 per week for a Band D property for next year. Additional resources allocated for schools which will see them fully funded for their pay, non-pay and other pressures next financial year, with a like for like increase of £11.2M or 5.6% with an overall increase in resources of 7% for next year. He added that further efficiency measures identified by the senior leadership team amounting to £5.750M which are over and above the £7.4M already identified and which can be delivered operationally without impacting on the Council’s frontline services. The Group Director referred to section 10 which outlines the financial implications of agreed changes to the Council’s adult residential care provision and its updated fees and charges proposals are confirmed. Finally, the Group Director explained that there was a small technical adjustment made at the final settlement which provided the council with a small amount of additional resources. He referred to table 2, set out at paragraph 10.3, which summarises the impact of the strategy components against the £6.8M budget gap with a funding shortfall remaining of £457K and its proposed that this be balanced from a contribution from the transition funding reserves. The Group Director advised that paragraph 10.8 does set out that whilst the 2025/26 settlement is more favourable than anticipated, the outlook beyond continues to look challenging and it is recommended at being prudent to minimise the use of one off funding as a means of balancing next year’s budget. This will ensure the following year’s budget is protected from having to address a more significant underlying budget shortfall and demonstrates a more responsible way in which the council uses its reserves to support its budget through challenging financial times. The Group Director advised that the detailed feedback report from the consultation process is attached at Appendix 2 with feedback from the consultation activities undertaken with the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, School Budget Forum and the Joint Consultative Committee also appended. At table 3, at paragraph 13.2 sets out next year’s revenue spend at £668,179,000 and shows how it will be funded from WG resources, use of grant and one off reserves, and the amount to be met from council taxpayers. In conclusion, the Group Director advised that the resource allocation across the council’s services is set out at table 4 with a 36% increase in the Council’s budget year on year, over £31M is directed towards schools and community services. Alternative Budget Proposal In accordance with the Council’s Budget Policy and Framework Rules the alternative budget proposal was presented to Council on behalf of the Plaid Cymru Group proposed by Councillor K Morgan and seconded by Councillor Sera Evans as follows: “That this Council reduces the proposed Council Tax increase for the civic year 2025/2026 from 4.7% to 4% by taking £1.226 million out of the Transitional Reserve to balance the budget. The £1.226 million consists of bridging the budget gap in the sum of £457,000 as recommended by Cabinet Decision plus an additional £769,000 to compensate for the 0.7% reduction in Council Tax from 4.7% to 4%.” Advice of the Section 151 Officer The Section 151 Officer provided advice to Council on the alternative budget proposals in accordance with the content of his alternative budget pro forma. He confirmed that whilst the proposal is lawful and within the competence of the Council, he reiterated his advice that he provided to Cabinet and as stated in his presentation of the Cabinet’s budget strategy, that Council should seek to minimise the use of a one off payment to balance next year’s revenue budget. He added that the use of transition funding is a one off measure and it does present a larger budget gap for the following year so a question might reasonably be asked as to what accompanying permanent base budget reducing measures may be proposed to offset the additional use of one off funding. The Section 151 Officer advised that in terms of the transition funding in itself, as stated in paragraph 3.4 of the budget strategy report, the Council has previously used transition funding successfully through helping to smooth the delivery of budget savings over a number of years while still allowing a balanced budget to be delivered. The transition funding is resources set aside as transitional or one off funding to support the Council’s medium term financial and service planning requirements. He commented that the purpose of the reserve is clearly meant to be part of a wider and medium term financial and service planning approach which recognises its one off nature and use alongside a commitment to and plans being in development to deliver underlying and ongoing budget reducing measures in the future. The Leader of the Council responded to the amendment proposed. Vote in respect of the alternative budget proposal A vote was taken in respect of the alternative budget proposal and it was RESOLVED not to adopt the proposed amendments to the Budget Strategy (Note: The following names were recorded as voting in favour of the amendment to the Budget Strategy: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, K Johnson and S Trask). Vote in respect of the substantive budget strategy Following consideration of the substantive Budget Strategy, it was RESOLVED to: 1.Note the letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government (Jayne Bryant AS/MS) and the table on the 2025/26 Final local government settlement, reproduced at Appendix 1; 2.Note the implications for the Council and the remaining budget gap as set out at section 5; 3.Agree a Council Tax increase for 2025/26 of 4.70%; 4.Agree the uplift to the aggregate Schools Budget as detailed at section 8; 5.Agree the budget strategy proposals as set out at paragraph 10; 6.Agree the use of the ‘Medium Term Financial Planning & Service Transformation Reserve’ as transition funding, totalling £0.457M for 2025/26; 7.Approve Tables 3 and 4 in Section 13 of the report as the basis of allocating resources to the Individual Schools Budget (ISB), to other Council Services and to meet its corporate financing requirements; and 8.Agree the Council’s overall budget for 2025/26 at £668.179M, in order to pass the necessary statutory resolutions to set the Council Tax for the forthcoming financial year by the statutory deadline of the 11th March 2025. (Note: The following names were recorded as voting against the substantive Budget Strategy: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, M Powell, K Johnson and S Trask). Abstain – Councillor C Lisles (Note: The Plaid Cymru Group further wished to have it recorded that should the recommendations have been considered individually, they would have voted against recommendations 3, 5 and 6 and voted in favour of recommendations 1,2,4,7 and 8).
RESOLVED to:- 1. Note the level of the precept from the Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales; 2. Note the level of the Community / Town Council Precepts, as detailed in Appendix 1; 3. Pass the formal Council Tax resolutions for the financial year ending 31st March 2026, as contained in Appendix 2; and 4. Note my comments upon robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves as detailed at paragraph 9.2. (Note: The following names were recorded as voting against the recommendations: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, K Johnson, S Trask and M Powell). Abstain – Councillor C Lisles
RESOLVED to: 1.Note the detail of the final 2025/26 local government settlement for capital expenditure, reproduced at Appendix 1; 2.Agree to the proposed reallocation of existing resources, and allocation of new resources as detailed in paragraph 5; 3.Agree to allocate the funding identified in the report to the investment priorities as detailed in paragraph 6.2; 4.Agree the proposed ‘core’ three-year programme detailed at Appendix 2; 5.Agree the proposed total three-year Capital Programme, detailed at Appendices 3 (a) to (e), which includes the following non core capital funding: · Prudential borrowing to support Sustainable Communities for Learning Schemes (formerly 21st Century Schools); · Local Government Borrowing Initiative funding to support Highways investment; · Capital grants for specific schemes; · Third party contributions; and · The investment priorities detailed in paragraph 6.2.
RESOLVED to approve the Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Indicators, and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy statement as set out in the report.
RESOLVED to approve the Capital Strategy report incorporating the Prudential Indicators.
RESOLVED to approve the Pay Policy Statement at Appendix A of the report.
RESOLVED to: 1. Note the changes to the Plaid Cymru Group’s representation as follows: · Councillor K Morgan will replace Councillor P Evans on the Democratic Services Committee; and · Councillor A O Rogers will replace Councillor P Evans on the Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee.
RESOLVED: 1.That permission for absence from all Council and Committee meetings be granted to Councillor Dawn Wood, due to their current ill-health, with such absence being authorised and approved by Full Council for a period of up to six months (commencing from the 24th April 2025) ending on the 24th October 2025, or until they resume attendance if that is sooner, in accordance with section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.
RESOLVED to adopt the amendment. (Note: The following names were recorded as abstaining from voting on the amendment to the Notice of Motion: Councillor R Yeo, C Middle, G O Jones, M Maohoub and C Lisles). Following further discussion in respect of the substantive motion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the motion. (Note: The following names were recorded as abstaining from voting on the substantive Notice of Motion: Councillor R Yeo, C Middle, G O Jones, M Maohoub and C Lisles) (Note: the Conservative Group wished to have it recorded that they voted against the substantive Notice of Motion)
The Presiding Member welcomed Members and Officers to the hybrid Council meeting in Llys Cadwyn, Pontypridd.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declarations were made pertaining to the agenda: ITEM 2 – Announcements Councillor S Emanuel – “My son is referenced in the announcement made by Councillor B Harris” ITEM 4 -Members’ Questions Councillor K Johnson- “ I am an employee of Transport for Wales” ITEM 5 -Revenue Budget Strategy 2025/26 and ITEM 6 - Council Tax Resolution The Director of Legal & Democratic Services: “We will record a blanket personal declaration for those who are Members of a Town or Community Council” Councillor L Addiscott – “I am a member of the South Wales Police & Crime Panel” Councillor B Harris - “I am a member of the South Wales Police & Crime Panel” ITEM 7- Capital Programme 2025/26-2027/28 Councillor M Webber – “I sit on the Governing Body of Ysgol Afon Wen” Councillor J Bonetto – “I am a Governor at Ysgol Afon Wen” Councillor C Lisles – “I am an LEA Governor at Ysgol Afon Wen” Councillor J Smith – “I am an LEA Governor at YGG Llyn-Y-Forwyn” Councillor S Morgans – ““I am an LEA Governor at YGG Llyn-Y-Forwyn Item 10 - The Council's Pay Policy Statement 2025/26 The Director of Legal & Democratic Services: “The Pay Policy statement for the Council has no effect on existing terms and conditions applying to individual employees and simply sets out the Council’s approach to previously adopted policies, therefore Officers will remain in the meeting whilst the item is presented by the Director of Human Resources and during subsequent discussion”. ITEM 13 – Notice of Motion Councillor C Middle – “I am an employee of the MOD”
The following announcement were made: Ø Councillor B Harris wished to congratulate 11 year old Archie Emanuel, son of Councillor Scott Emanuel, for winning two gold medals at the International Tang Soo Do Championship held in Elgin, Scotland in February
The Leader made a statement in respect of Storm Bert and the repair work which has been undertaken through a number of schemes and flood risk management bids to Welsh Government with match funding (between £4-5M) which will cover a number of culvert upgrades and improvements particularly in Pentre and Treorchy. The Leader advised that he recently met with senior officers from the MET Office which proved to be a fruitful and positive meeting whereby they acknowledged there should have been an amber warning at the very least not a yellow warning ahead for Storm Bert. He added that as part of their review process an internal panel met and concurred that there were inconsistencies with the warnings given by NRW. Following this, an external panel met to verify the findings, they also upheld the decision that an amber warning should have been given in advance of the severe weather not a yellow warning. The Leader referred to his previous critical comments of the MET Office and NRW and how these comments have been construed as an attempt to deflect the Council’s responsibility. On this point, the Leader reiterated that it is not the Council’s responsibility for issuing severe weather warnings neither is it responsible for river flooding. To be clear the indicator flood level points were altered in January 2025 in view of the events in Pontypridd during Storm Bert. NRW have reduced the levels at which a warning is issued which worked well during the latest heavy rainfall event. He also referred to the flood forecast statement which was more effective during recent severe rainfall which enabled the Council to act and provide sandbags as appropriate and respond to local residents concerns. The Leader advised that, as will be evident in the Budget Revenue item later on in the meeting, there will be funding available to further enhance the Council’s resources to deal with cases of severe weather or to respond should RCT face further flooding in the future. He added that a report outlining lessons learned from Storm Bert will come before Cabinet and Scrutiny as appropriate.
1.Question from County Borough Councillor L. Ellis to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader provide an update on the programme of coal tip management across RCT?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan advised that there is a significant programme of work based on a risk register, in line with the Council’s inspections to determine whether and what kind of work is required. He added that the Council’s Tip Safety team have a proven record of delivering major tip work and a programme of minor maintenance to a number of key sites with a Senior Tip Safety Engineer in post. Councillor Morgan commented that all category D tips are inspected in advance of severe weather and immediately following severe weather. Work in collaboration with Welsh Government has been carried out in relation to categorisation of tips, which is clearly presented on the council website. Councillor Morgan outlined the level of recent investment announced from the new U.K. Labour Government (£25m), in addition to the Welsh Government’s continued investment. He added that the Council submitted a bid totalling £11.337M. He advised that the Council has a very robust inspection and monitoring regime which includes technology such as lidar and high powered cameras (trialled on the Tylorstown tip) which take digital photos and are able to detect the smallest change in the landscape including any drainage issues. The technology also enables further learning and understanding of the impact wet water and severe weather has on the tips. Councillor Morgan advised that work is ongoing to improve the drainage on an area of the Albion tip in Cilfynydd to prevent water ponding. He added that the drainage installation on the hillside is challenging with recent storms have generated a new ground water profile which needs mitigating. With regards to the Tylorstown tip, Councillor Morgan confirmed that the work on thelandslip remediation works proceeding & pump track is coming to completion shortly. He added that the early estimates did predict that the work would need to continue over the course of a few winters. There was no supplementary question. 2. Question from County Borough Councillor C. Lisles to the Leader of the Council, County BoroughCouncillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader provide an update on the proposals to build Metro stations at Treforest opposite the DWP office and at Upper Boat/Power Station Hill, both of which would be of benefit to residents in the ward I represent” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan advised that the Council was able to purchase the site a number of years ago and have carried out exploratory work in collaboration with TfW but given the constrained nature of the proposed relocation site for a new Nantgarw station, the viability of the project is extremely challenging in the current financial climate. The delivery of this station and a new facility at Upper Boat, however, remains an ambition for the Council and we will continue to work with TfW and Welsh Government to explore all options both for enhancing the business case for the station relocation and for alternative solutions to improve access to the rail network in the area of Treforest Estate and Parc Nantgarw. He added that the college has expanded over the past years and there are a number of facilities there including a cinema and Bowlplex which is a huge draw for families, having a train station would enhance these facilities and provide a great opportunity and accessibility. The Leader commented that options at Upper Boat have also been discussed, he added that although funding is key to getting these projects off the ground, the Council’s ambition for a park and ride in that location would assist current congestion in that area and the Council’s ambition is to see both sites developed in the future. Supplementary Question from Councillor C Lisles: “As the Council has acquired the Goods Yard and Police Station site at the Northern gateway to Pontypridd, will the Council consider joining forces with TfW to create a station in the Goods Yard to link up with the bus station as a proper integrated transport hub?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan responded by the Council would be interested in renewing discussions with TfW about having a fully integrated transport hub in Pontypridd. He added that key would be understanding the impact of having an additional station in that location and the concerns previously raised by TfW on running the overall services through Pontypridd. Councillor Morgan explained that trains will be operating at a different speed and stopping only for a short period of time, around 30-40 seconds at Pontypridd station with faster acceleration and deceleration. An additional stop in Pontypridd could impact on the projected four trains per hour passing through Pontypridd to the Valleys. However, he added that it warranted further discussions with TfW and securing the Goods Yard site has provided the Council with regeneration options and opportunities in the future. 3.Question from County Borough Councillor S. Morgans to the Leader of the Council, County BoroughCouncillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader please provide an update on the latest stage of the Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan advised that previous phases have progressed very well and the last phase, phase five, is waiting to be completed with a bid already submitted to Welsh Government to the value of £4M investment. The Intention is to have a fully accessible route from Maerdy through Pontygwaith connecting to the Porth area to offer active travel links. He explained that work has progressed through the necessary upgrading and implementation of bridges and other structures as part of the scheme. As part of the coal tip restoration scheme, the Council is looking to develop the two amenity areas using some of the material removed from the tip. One will be a garden area, the other a BMX/bike track, providing facilities for families and young people. There was no supplementary question. 4.Question from County Borough Councillor J. Bonetto to the Leader of the Council, County BoroughCouncillor A. Morgan OBE: “Will the Leader provide an update on the progress of the South Wales Metro, and in particular on the depot at Taff’s Well?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan advised that TfW are currently in the process of introducing 14 brand-new Class 756 trains on the Merthyr, Aberdare, and Treherbert lines. Currently, five of the new trains are operating on the Merthyr and Aberdare lines, and two are running on the Treherbert line. He added that last week, they successfully introduced a Class 756 train on the seventh service. TfW anticipate that all 14 new trains will be in service by the end of Spring. Councillor Morgan referred to the unfortunate disruption in the Rhondda that has been experienced during the upgrading work in preparation for the new trains. With specific reference to the Taff’s Well Depot, Councillor Morgan commented that while overall a positive project, there has been an impact on the local area and community with road closures for a time, parking for the staff working on the site has also impacted on the community. Councillor Morgan hoped that TfW would acknowledge the patience and disruption of the residents when the work is completed. Councillor Morgan advised that the work is coming to completion shortly and added that the road that has been dug up several times by TfW will be resurfaced by them and put right and that is something he would be monitoring. There was no supplementary question. 5. Question from County Borough Councillor S. Rees to the Leader of the Council, County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE: “Can the Leader give an overview of capital investment projects ongoing across Rhondda Cynon Taf?” Response of Councillor A Morgan OBE: Councillor Morgan referred to the extremely ambitious capital investment programme which the projected programme is over £170M, which does not include other bids from other areas such as flood risk management, coal tips and transport which could bring the total committed to over £200M in this financial year. In terms of highways, the Council continues to be one of the best Councils for delivering investment and substantial intervention to its roads, taking forward the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor and securing funding to commence the next phase of the Cynon Gateway, linking the A465 with the A4059. There is also substantial flood alleviation investment. Councillor Morgan referenced both the Pentre and Treorchy schemes which are estimated to be worth around £6-8M each in order to provide a high level of protection in both Communities. In respect of the investment in Parks and Green Spaces, Councillor Morgan referred to a comment made by the Chief Executive of the FA in Wales, Noel Mooney, who praised RCT for its huge investment in its sports facilities. Much has been done through the Council’s Sports Development Team by drawing in funding from areas such as the FA and Sports Collaboration Fund. Councillor Morgan also referenced the improvements made to RCT’s town centre street scenes to enhance and refresh the Council’s town centres to make them more welcoming. He added that there is huge ongoing investment and services being delivered despite the financial pressures, the revenue budget has been under pressure and using capital funding helps reduce revenue costs and all link with the themes that run through the Council’s Corporate Plan. There was no supplementary question due to the lapse of the allotted time.
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication provided an update on the Council Work Programme for the 2024/25 Municipal Year. He advised that there are no substantive changes to the forward work programme but did reiterate his update as previously communicated, that Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are unable to attend the extraordinary Council meeting inApril to provide an annual update to Members. He added that confirming an alternative date would be a priority in the next municipal year The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication also confirmed that the Council meeting to be held in April would be the last ahead of the Council’s 30th Annual General meeting (AGM) on the 21st May 2025.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: 1. Agree the process for considering and debating the Cabinet’s Budget Strategy and the amendment received to this Strategy by Non-Executive Members, as outlined in Appendix 1 of this report. Cabinet’s proposed revenue budget strategy for the forthcoming financial year 2025/26 The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director for Finance, Digital & Frontline Services presented his report which reflects the Cabinet’s proposed revenue budget strategy for the forthcoming financial year 2025/26. It has been consulted upon as part of the Council’s phase two consultation process which ran from 23rd January to the 7th February 2025. He advised that section 3 of the report sets out the broader financial context against within which the budget strategy has been developed. The Group Director referred to the Council’s general reserves, having been used to support the immediate response to Storm Bert with £1m allocated, with plans now in place to replenish that. The availability of the Council’s transitional funding that has been used successfully as part of the Council’s medium term service planning arrangements, helping to smooth the delivery of budget savings over a number of years while still allowing an annual balanced budget to be achieved. The Group Director stated that the latest Audit Wales conclusion, as part of its work, determined that, overall, the Council has appropriate arrangements to support its financial sustainability which provides a platform to address longer term budget challenges. Finally, the Group Director advised that there is a need for the Council to remain disciplined and to take its financial and judiciary duty seriously and demonstrate an approach which publicly demonstrates sound financial stewardship. The Group Director advised that the final local government settlement was received on the 20th February 2025 with no material changes to the provisional settlement, details of which were presented to Council on the 15th January. He reminded Members of the headlines of the final settlement are a 4.5% increase in funding at an all Wales level with this Council’s increase being at 4.8%. A funding floor was introduced into the final settlement to ensure that no council would receive an increase in funding of less than 3.8%. There was no indication of future years settlement levels but Welsh Government are expecting to receive multiyear settlements at the conclusion of the UK Government’s spending review. Specific grant funding continues to be a key feature of the annual settlement with £1.4B being allocated across Wales in this way. The Group Director reminded Members that the Council’s medium term financial plan, as presented to Council in September last year, projected a budget gap of £35.7M, this being based on likely funding scenarios and the Council’s cost base at that point in time. The updated settlement alongside the updated budget requirements and adjusting for budget reduction measures already agreed and implemented early left a remaining budget gap of £6.823M and it has been against this position that Cabinet’s budget strategy has been prepared. The Group Director referred to paragraph 7 of the report which sets out the components of the budget strategy. Firstly the Group Director advised of a Council tax increase of 4.7% for next year, which will see an increase of £1.02 per week for a Band A Property and £1.53 per week for a Band D property for next year. Additional resources allocated for schools which will see them fully funded for their pay, non-pay and other pressures next financial year, with a like for like increase of £11.2M or 5.6% with an overall increase in resources of 7% for next year. He added that further efficiency measures identified by the senior leadership team amounting to £5.750M which are over and above the £7.4M already identified and which can be delivered operationally without impacting on the Council’s frontline services. The Group Director referred to section 10 which outlines the financial implications of agreed changes to the Council’s adult residential care provision and its updated fees and charges proposals are confirmed. Finally, the Group Director explained that there was a small technical adjustment made at the final settlement which provided the council with a small amount of additional resources. He referred to table 2, set out at paragraph 10.3, which summarises the impact of the strategy components against the £6.8M budget gap with a funding shortfall remaining of £457K and its proposed that this be balanced from a contribution from the transition funding reserves. The Group Director advised that paragraph 10.8 does set out that whilst the 2025/26 settlement is more favourable than anticipated, the outlook beyond continues to look challenging and it is recommended at being prudent to minimise the use of one off funding as a means of balancing next year’s budget. This will ensure the following year’s budget is protected from having to address a more significant underlying budget shortfall and demonstrates a more responsible way in which the council uses its reserves to support its budget through challenging financial times. The Group Director advised that the detailed feedback report from the consultation process is attached at Appendix 2 with feedback from the consultation activities undertaken with the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, School Budget Forum and the Joint Consultative Committee also appended. At table 3, at paragraph 13.2 sets out next year’s revenue spend at £668,179,000 and shows how it will be funded from WG resources, use of grant and one off reserves, and the amount to be met from council taxpayers. In conclusion, the Group Director advised that the resource allocation across the council’s services is set out at table 4 with a 36% increase in the Council’s budget year on year, over £31M is directed towards schools and community services. Alternative Budget Proposal In accordance with the Council’s Budget Policy and Framework Rules the alternative budget proposal was presented to Council on behalf of the Plaid Cymru Group proposed by Councillor K Morgan and seconded by Councillor Sera Evans as follows: “That this Council reduces the proposed Council Tax increase for the civic year 2025/2026 from 4.7% to 4% by taking £1.226 million out of the Transitional Reserve to balance the budget. The £1.226 million consists of bridging the budget gap in the sum of £457,000 as recommended by Cabinet Decision plus an additional £769,000 to compensate for the 0.7% reduction in Council Tax from 4.7% to 4%.” Advice of the Section 151 Officer The Section 151 Officer provided advice to Council on the alternative budget proposals in accordance with the content of his alternative budget pro forma. He confirmed that whilst the proposal is lawful and within the competence of the Council, he reiterated his advice that he provided to Cabinet and as stated in his presentation of the Cabinet’s budget strategy, that Council should seek to minimise the use of a one off payment to balance next year’s revenue budget. He added that the use of transition funding is a one off measure and it does present a larger budget gap for the following year so a question might reasonably be asked as to what accompanying permanent base budget reducing measures may be proposed to offset the additional use of one off funding. The Section 151 Officer advised that in terms of the transition funding in itself, as stated in paragraph 3.4 of the budget strategy report, the Council has previously used transition funding successfully through helping to smooth the delivery of budget savings over a number of years while still allowing a balanced budget to be delivered. The transition funding is resources set aside as transitional or one off funding to support the Council’s medium term financial and service planning requirements. He commented that the purpose of the reserve is clearly meant to be part of a wider and medium term financial and service planning approach which recognises its one off nature and use alongside a commitment to and plans being in development to deliver underlying and ongoing budget reducing measures in the future. The Leader of the Council responded to the amendment proposed. Vote in respect of the alternative budget proposal A vote was taken in respect of the alternative budget proposal and it was RESOLVED not to adopt the proposed amendments to the Budget Strategy (Note: The following names were recorded as voting in favour of the amendment to the Budget Strategy: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, K Johnson and S Trask). Vote in respect of the substantive budget strategy Following consideration of the substantive Budget Strategy, it was RESOLVED to: 1.Note the letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government (Jayne Bryant AS/MS) and the table on the 2025/26 Final local government settlement, reproduced at Appendix 1; 2.Note the implications for the Council and the remaining budget gap as set out at section 5; 3.Agree a Council Tax increase for 2025/26 of 4.70%; 4.Agree the uplift to the aggregate Schools Budget as detailed at section 8; 5.Agree the budget strategy proposals as set out at paragraph 10; 6.Agree the use of the ‘Medium Term Financial Planning & Service Transformation Reserve’ as transition funding, totalling £0.457M for 2025/26; 7.Approve Tables 3 and 4 in Section 13 of the report as the basis of allocating resources to the Individual Schools Budget (ISB), to other Council Services and to meet its corporate financing requirements; and 8.Agree the Council’s overall budget for 2025/26 at £668.179M, in order to pass the necessary statutory resolutions to set the Council Tax for the forthcoming financial year by the statutory deadline of the 11th March 2025. (Note: The following names were recorded as voting against the substantive Budget Strategy: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, M Powell, K Johnson and S Trask). Abstain – Councillor C Lisles (Note: The Plaid Cymru Group further wished to have it recorded that should the recommendations have been considered individually, they would have voted against recommendations 3, 5 and 6 and voted in favour of recommendations 1,2,4,7 and 8).
Process for consideration & determination of the Council’s Budget for 2025/26 The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication presented his report which set out the process for the consideration and determination of the Council’s Budget for 2025/26 in accordance with the Council’s Budget Policy Framework. The Service Director commented that it is the responsibility of Full Council to set and adopt the annual budget for the local authority in addition to the arrangements based on the proposals made by the Executive. He explained that the Cabinet’s draft budget strategy is informed by the public engagement process and the detailed officer advice and recommendations of the Council’s senior leadership team. The Service Director explained the process also provides non-executive Members with the opportunity through the scrutiny process to undertake pre-scrutiny of the Cabinet’s draft budget strategy. The Service Director advised that to compliment this arrangement, the budget policy framework provides a mechanism for non-executive Members to formally propose amendments to the budget strategy tabled by Cabinet. Also, to enable Council to consider any amendments received, the Council’s constitution has a prescribed arrangement to enable Members to consider any amendments received alongside appropriate officer advice from the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer. The Service Director referred Members to the one valid amendment received, which had been deemed legal and within the competencies of the Council by the Monitoring Officer. He added that there is specific advice in respect of the financial implications provided by the Section 151 Officer proposed alongside the amendment in the report before Members. The Service Director referred Members to section 7 of the report which sets out the components of the Cabinet’s budget strategy and serves to demonstrate how the areas being proposed for amendment are part of the wider strategy. He added that it is important to have a structure to enable the Cabinet’s budget strategy to be presented and the amendment from the Plaid Cymru Group to be considered and determined. He sought Council’s agreement on the approach for determining the budget strategy which is set out in Appendix 1 of the report. The Service Director advised that the one received amendment will be considered in the first instance followed by a vote upon the strategy of Cabinet as presented or as amended. He clarified that following the final decision of Council, Members will be referred back to the report of the Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director for Finance, Digital & Frontline Services (set out at Appendix 2.2) and the report of Cabinet to agree those recommendations, either as reported or as amended specifically in relation to the areas of council tax or council reserves. It was RESOLVED to: 1. Agree the process for considering and debating the Cabinet’s Budget Strategy and the amendment received to this Strategy by Non-Executive Members, as outlined in Appendix 1 of this report. Cabinet’s proposed revenue budget strategy for the forthcoming financial year 2025/26 The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director for Finance, Digital & Frontline Services presented his report which reflects the Cabinet’s proposed revenue budget strategy for the forthcoming financial year 2025/26. It has been consulted upon as part of the Council’s phase two consultation process which ran from 23rd January to the 7th February 2025. He advised that section 3 of the report sets out the broader financial context against within which the budget strategy has been developed. The Group Director referred to the Council’s general reserves, having been used to support the immediate response to Storm Bert with £1m allocated, with plans now in place to replenish that. The availability of the Council’s transitional funding that has been used successfully as part of the Council’s medium term service planning arrangements, helping to smooth the delivery of budget savings over a number of years while still allowing an annual balanced budget to be achieved. The Group Director stated that the latest Audit Wales conclusion, as part of its work, determined that, overall, the Council has appropriate arrangements to support its financial sustainability which provides a platform to address longer term budget challenges. Finally, the Group Director advised that there is a need for the Council to remain disciplined and to take its financial and judiciary duty seriously and demonstrate an approach which publicly demonstrates sound financial stewardship. The Group Director advised that the final local government settlement was received on the 20th February 2025 with no material changes to the provisional settlement, details of which were presented to Council on the 15th January. He reminded Members of the headlines of the final settlement are a 4.5% increase in funding at an all Wales level with this Council’s increase being at 4.8%. A funding floor was introduced into the final settlement to ensure that no council would receive an increase in funding of less than 3.8%. There was no indication of future years settlement levels but Welsh Government are expecting to receive multiyear settlements at the conclusion of the UK Government’s spending review. Specific grant funding continues to be a key feature of the annual settlement with £1.4B being allocated across Wales in this way. The Group Director reminded Members that the Council’s medium term financial plan, as presented to Council in September last year, projected a budget gap of £35.7M, this being based on likely funding scenarios and the Council’s cost base at that point in time. The updated settlement alongside the updated budget requirements and adjusting for budget reduction measures already agreed and implemented early left a remaining budget gap of £6.823M and it has been against this position that Cabinet’s budget strategy has been prepared. The Group Director referred to paragraph 7 of the report which sets out the components of the budget strategy. Firstly the Group Director advised of a Council tax increase of 4.7% for next year, which will see an increase of £1.02 per week for a Band A Property and £1.53 per week for a Band D property for next year. Additional resources allocated for schools which will see them fully funded for their pay, non-pay and other pressures next financial year, with a like for like increase of £11.2M or 5.6% with an overall increase in resources of 7% for next year. He added that further efficiency measures identified by the senior leadership team amounting to £5.750M which are over and above the £7.4M already identified and which can be delivered operationally without impacting on the Council’s frontline services. The Group Director referred to section 10 which outlines the financial implications of agreed changes to the Council’s adult residential care provision and its updated fees and charges proposals are confirmed. Finally, the Group Director explained that there was a small technical adjustment made at the final settlement which provided the council with a small amount of additional resources. He referred to table 2, set out at paragraph 10.3, which summarises the impact of the strategy components against the £6.8M budget gap with a funding shortfall remaining of £457K and its proposed that this be balanced from a contribution from the transition funding reserves. The Group Director advised that paragraph 10.8 does set out that whilst the 2025/26 settlement is more favourable than anticipated, the outlook beyond continues to look challenging and it is recommended at being prudent to minimise the use of one off funding as a means of balancing next year’s budget. This will ensure the following year’s budget is protected from having to address a more significant underlying budget shortfall and demonstrates a more responsible way in which the council uses its reserves to support its budget through challenging financial times. The Group Director advised that the detailed feedback report from the consultation process is attached at Appendix 2 with feedback from the consultation activities undertaken with the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, School Budget Forum and the Joint Consultative Committee also appended. At table 3, at paragraph 13.2 sets out next year’s revenue spend at £668,179,000 and shows how it will be funded from WG resources, use of grant and one off reserves, and the amount to be met from council taxpayers. In conclusion, the Group Director advised that the resource allocation across the council’s services is set out at table 4 with a 36% increase in the Council’s budget year on year, over £31M is directed towards schools and community services. Alternative Budget Proposal In accordance with the Council’s Budget Policy and Framework Rules the alternative budget proposal was presented to Council on behalf of the Plaid Cymru Group proposed by Councillor K Morgan and seconded by Councillor Sera Evans as follows: “That this Council reduces the proposed Council Tax increase for the civic year 2025/2026 from 4.7% to 4% by taking £1.226 million out of the Transitional Reserve to balance the budget. The £1.226 million consists of bridging the budget gap in the sum of £457,000 as recommended by Cabinet Decision plus an additional £769,000 to compensate for the 0.7% reduction in Council Tax from 4.7% to 4%.” Advice of the Section 151 Officer The Section 151 Officer provided advice to Council on the alternative budget proposals in accordance with the content of his alternative budget pro forma. He confirmed that whilst the proposal is lawful and within the competence of the Council, he reiterated his advice that he provided to Cabinet and as stated in his presentation of the Cabinet’s budget strategy, that Council should seek to minimise the use of a one off payment to balance next year’s revenue budget. He added that the use of transition funding is a one off measure and it does present a larger budget gap for the following year so a question might reasonably be asked as to what accompanying permanent base budget reducing measures may be proposed to offset the additional use of one off funding. The Section 151 Officer advised that in terms of the transition funding in itself, as stated in paragraph 3.4 of the budget strategy report, the Council has previously used transition funding successfully through helping to smooth the delivery of budget savings over a number of years while still allowing a balanced budget to be delivered. The transition funding is resources set aside as transitional or one off funding to support the Council’s medium term financial and service planning requirements. He commented that the purpose of the reserve is clearly meant to be part of a wider and medium term financial and service planning approach which recognises its one off nature and use alongside a commitment to and plans being in development to deliver underlying and ongoing budget reducing measures in the future. The Leader of the Council responded to the amendment proposed. Vote in respect of the alternative budget proposal A vote was taken in respect of the alternative budget proposal and it was RESOLVED not to adopt the proposed amendments to the Budget Strategy (Note: The following names were recorded as voting in favour of the amendment to the Budget Strategy: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, K Johnson and S Trask). Vote in respect of the substantive budget strategy Following consideration of the substantive Budget Strategy, it was RESOLVED to: 1.Note the letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government (Jayne Bryant AS/MS) and the table on the 2025/26 Final local government settlement, reproduced at Appendix 1; 2.Note the implications for the Council and the remaining budget gap as set out at section 5; 3.Agree a Council Tax increase for 2025/26 of 4.70%; 4.Agree the uplift to the aggregate Schools Budget as detailed at section 8; 5.Agree the budget strategy proposals as set out at paragraph 10; 6.Agree the use of the ‘Medium Term Financial Planning & Service Transformation Reserve’ as transition funding, totalling £0.457M for 2025/26; 7.Approve Tables 3 and 4 in Section 13 of the report as the basis of allocating resources to the Individual Schools Budget (ISB), to other Council Services and to meet its corporate financing requirements; and 8.Agree the Council’s overall budget for 2025/26 at £668.179M, in order to pass the necessary statutory resolutions to set the Council Tax for the forthcoming financial year by the statutory deadline of the 11th March 2025. (Note: The following names were recorded as voting against the substantive Budget Strategy: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, M Powell, K Johnson and S Trask). Abstain – Councillor C Lisles (Note: The Plaid Cymru Group further wished to have it recorded that should the recommendations have been considered individually, they would have voted against recommendations 3, 5 and 6 and voted in favour of recommendations 1,2,4,7 and 8).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to:- 1. Note the level of the precept from the Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales; 2. Note the level of the Community / Town Council Precepts, as detailed in Appendix 1; 3. Pass the formal Council Tax resolutions for the financial year ending 31st March 2026, as contained in Appendix 2; and 4. Note my comments upon robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves as detailed at paragraph 9.2. (Note: The following names were recorded as voting against the recommendations: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, K Johnson, S Trask and M Powell). Abstain – Councillor C Lisles
The Group Director Finance, Digital and Frontline Services advised that the report satisfies the statutory requirement for Council to pass the necessary resolutions consequential to Council agreeing the Budget for next year and the level of council tax. The Group Director explained that it includes the implications of the precept required by the Police & Crime Commissioner and those of the Community and Town Councils in those relevant areas. He added that the Council’s increase of 4.7% sits alongside the Police’s increase of 7.37% bringing the aggregate or composite Band D increase to 5.16% (this excludes the community councils which is set out at Appendix 1). In conclusion, the Group Director advised that he has a duty to report to Council on the robustness of estimates contained within the budget and the adequacy of reserves is included and the table at section 4 of Appendix 2 sets out the overall council tax levels across all the community areas and at all band levels. Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to:- 1. Note the level of the precept from the Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales; 2. Note the level of the Community / Town Council Precepts, as detailed in Appendix 1; 3. Pass the formal Council Tax resolutions for the financial year ending 31st March 2026, as contained in Appendix 2; and 4. Note my comments upon robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves as detailed at paragraph 9.2. (Note: The following names were recorded as voting against the recommendations: Councillors Sera Evans, K Morgan, D Grehan, H Gronow, A Ellis, A Rogers, K Johnson, S Trask and M Powell). Abstain – Councillor C Lisles
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: 1.Note the detail of the final 2025/26 local government settlement for capital expenditure, reproduced at Appendix 1; 2.Agree to the proposed reallocation of existing resources, and allocation of new resources as detailed in paragraph 5; 3.Agree to allocate the funding identified in the report to the investment priorities as detailed in paragraph 6.2; 4.Agree the proposed ‘core’ three-year programme detailed at Appendix 2; 5.Agree the proposed total three-year Capital Programme, detailed at Appendices 3 (a) to (e), which includes the following non core capital funding: · Prudential borrowing to support Sustainable Communities for Learning Schemes (formerly 21st Century Schools); · Local Government Borrowing Initiative funding to support Highways investment; · Capital grants for specific schemes; · Third party contributions; and · The investment priorities detailed in paragraph 6.2.
The Group Director Finance, Digital & Frontline Services presented the report which set out the Council's proposed three-year Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2027/28 for Council’s consideration which amounts to a total of £225M over the next three years of which £166M relates to next year 2025/26 alone. The Group Director commented that this represents a core capital funding from Welsh Government for the next year is set at £15.472M, an increase of £1.6M and its proposed that the Council’s core programme for the next three years is set at £15.5M per year, this being an increase of £1.4M on the current level. This has enabled the core programme itself to be maintained and increased to recognise additional demand led pressures in the main relating to the Council’s disabled facilities grants, maintenance repairs assistance and renovation grants. The programme includes over a £100M of spend supported by specific grant funding and over £40M of the Council’s own resources. The Group Director advised that identified at paragraph 6.2 is further investment amounting to £16.050M allocated towards the Council’s investment priorities which is proposed across the areas of highways maintenance, unadopted roads, highways structures, flood alleviation, park structures improvements, parks and green spaces, skate parks, play areas, multi-use games areas, Park and Dare theatre, leisure centres, war memorials and pipeline development works. The Group Director added that this includes funding of £3.7M provided through the local government borrowing initiative for highways management, as set out at paragraph 6.3 and would leave a balance of £7.1M in the Council’s infrastructure reserve. He added that details of the full programme is set out at section 7 which includes, for next year alone, allocations of £14M for regeneration, £26M for housing related, £18M for highways, £9M for transport infrastructure, £2M for drainage improvements, £11M for coal tip safety, £1.8M for parks infrastructure, £51M for education, £15M for adult and children services and £3.6M for public health and community services. The Group Director set out the proposed new three year programme of £225M follows capital spend of £170M last year 2023/24 and currently projected spend of £194M for this financial year and brings the Council’s capital spend to over £1B since 2019/20. The Group Director concluded by reminding Members that this report deals with the strategic prioritisation and allocation of resources across the Council’s capital programme and details of individual schemes and projects will be developed and reported to Cabinet mid-March. Following a discussion whereby the Group Leaders contributed to the discussion, it was RESOLVED to: 1.Note the detail of the final 2025/26 local government settlement for capital expenditure, reproduced at Appendix 1; 2.Agree to the proposed reallocation of existing resources, and allocation of new resources as detailed in paragraph 5; 3.Agree to allocate the funding identified in the report to the investment priorities as detailed in paragraph 6.2; 4.Agree the proposed ‘core’ three-year programme detailed at Appendix 2; 5.Agree the proposed total three-year Capital Programme, detailed at Appendices 3 (a) to (e), which includes the following non core capital funding: · Prudential borrowing to support Sustainable Communities for Learning Schemes (formerly 21st Century Schools); · Local Government Borrowing Initiative funding to support Highways investment; · Capital grants for specific schemes; · Third party contributions; and · The investment priorities detailed in paragraph 6.2.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Indicators, and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy statement as set out in the report.
The Group Director – Finance, Digital & Frontline Services presented the annual report advising that the Treasury Management borrowing and investment activities are highly regulated and carried out in line with the relevant professional Codes of Practice. He added that agreeing a Treasury Management strategy before the beginning of the new financial year is a specific requirement as is a formal mid-year review and a year-end backward review of performance. The Group Director advised that, as set out in the report, the Council has £276.8M of borrowing at an average interest rate of 3.3% with a borrowing requirement for next year of £12.7M to fund the agreed capital programme and will supplement this by fixing in longer term debt if the economic environment and interest rate projections dictate. This is in line with the Council’s under borrowing position, which the Council has continued to hold for a number of years and from which the Council continues to be rewarded with lower net capital financing cost. The Group Director advised that in terms of the Council’s investment strategy, the Council continues to lend to public sector and Government backed organisations only recognising the key and fundamental priority afforded to firstly security, secondly liquidity and thirdly yield. The Group Director referred Members to paragraph 16 for the Council’s Treasury Management indicators and limits and the MRP Policy set out at section 17 which continues to write off the Council’s supported borrowing on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Following discussion of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy, it was RESOLVED to approve the Treasury Management Strategy, Investment Strategy, Treasury Indicators, and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy statement as set out in the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the Capital Strategy report incorporating the Prudential Indicators.
The Deputy Chief Executive & Group Director of Finance, Digital & Frontline Services presented the annual statutory Capital Strategy Report 2025/26 incorporating the Councils prudential indicators. The Group Director advised that the Council’s agreed capital expenditure and how it is financed is set out at section 6 of the report which includes the Council’s capital financing requirements (CFR) which is the underlying need to borrow to fund the Council’s historic and current capital spending plans. As referenced previously, the Group Director advised that this shows a significantly under borrowed position, a strategy which the council has adopted over a number of years in line with the Councils’ treasury advisors. This is shown clearly at indicator four. The Group Director commented that the Council’s limits to borrowing activities, including the Council’s authorised limit of £594M are also set out along with the general approach to commercialisation and asset management and disposal. The Group Director advised that both the Treasury Management Strategy and the Capital Strategy statement will be presented to the Governance & Audit Committee to review and scrutiny in line with the relevant codes of practice. Following discussion and comments from the Group Leaders, it was RESOLVED to approve the Capital Strategy report incorporating the Prudential Indicators.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the Pay Policy Statement at Appendix A of the report.
In accordance with Section 38(1) of the Localism Act, 2011, the Director, Human Resources provided Members with information in respect of the Council’s 2025/2026 Pay Policy Statement. The Director referred Members to paragraphs 3.1 to 3.2 which set out the legal context for the need for the pay policy and paragraphs 4.1-4.10 which references the background to the pay policy statement, the need for Full Council approval and refers to the Pay Policy Statement at Appendix A to the report. Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to approve the Pay Policy Statement at Appendix A of the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: 1. Note the changes to the Plaid Cymru Group’s representation as follows: · Councillor K Morgan will replace Councillor P Evans on the Democratic Services Committee; and · Councillor A O Rogers will replace Councillor P Evans on the Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee.
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication advised Members of the change to the Plaid Cymru Group’s representation in that Councillor K Morgan is to be nominated in place of Councillor P Evans on the Democratic Services Committee and that Councillor A O Rogers is to be nominated in place of Councillor P Evans on the Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year. It was RESOLVED to: 1. Note the changes to the Plaid Cymru Group’s representation as follows: · Councillor K Morgan will replace Councillor P Evans on the Democratic Services Committee; and · Councillor A O Rogers will replace Councillor P Evans on the Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1.That permission for absence from all Council and Committee meetings be granted to Councillor Dawn Wood, due to their current ill-health, with such absence being authorised and approved by Full Council for a period of up to six months (commencing from the 24th April 2025) ending on the 24th October 2025, or until they resume attendance if that is sooner, in accordance with section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.
The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication presented his report which sought Council’s permission, in accordance with the relevant legislation, to provide dispensation for Councillor D Wood commencing from the 24th April 2025 to the 24th October 2025, or until the Member resumes their attendance at a time on or before this date. The Service Director provided information regarding Councillor Wood’s ill health and advised that Section 85(1) of the LGA 1972 requires a Member of a Local Authority to attend at least one meeting of that Authority within a six-month consecutive period unless permission for the absence is granted by the Authority in advance. Without advance permission to be absent, loss of office is automatic, and permission cannot be granted retrospectively. The Service Director added that should Council agree, the six month waiver will commence from the 24th April 2025 and will cease on 24th October 2025, or until Councillor Wood is able to resume attendance if that is sooner, in accordance with the legislation. Following consideration of the report all Group Leaders wished to pass on their best wishes to Councillor Wood for a swift return to office. It was RESOLVED: 1.That permission for absence from all Council and Committee meetings be granted to Councillor Dawn Wood, due to their current ill-health, with such absence being authorised and approved by Full Council for a period of up to six months (commencing from the 24th April 2025) ending on the 24th October 2025, or until they resume attendance if that is sooner, in accordance with section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to adopt the amendment. (Note: The following names were recorded as abstaining from voting on the amendment to the Notice of Motion: Councillor R Yeo, C Middle, G O Jones, M Maohoub and C Lisles). Following further discussion in respect of the substantive motion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the motion. (Note: The following names were recorded as abstaining from voting on the substantive Notice of Motion: Councillor R Yeo, C Middle, G O Jones, M Maohoub and C Lisles) (Note: the Conservative Group wished to have it recorded that they voted against the substantive Notice of Motion)
To consider the under-mentioned Notice of Motion which has been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1 and received by the Proper Officer, standing in the names of County Borough Councillors: K Morgan, A Rogers, D Grehan, Sera Evans, H Gronow, P Evans, A Ellis and D Wood. The Crown Estate earns its income from a £16 billion property portfolio across the UK, including offshore, and is set up as an independent business returning profits to the Treasury. Since 2011 it has also been used to help fund the monarchy. In the 2023-24 financial year, the estate announced a record £1.1 billion net revenue profit. This is £658.1 million higher than the previous year. In respect of Wales, it is estimated that the estate owns 65% of the nation’s foreshore and riverbeds, and more than 50,000 acres of land. In 2023 a breakdown of Crown Estate assets in Wales showed that the group values amounted to a combined worth of £853,030,454. Across Wales there is a growing campaign calling for management of the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales to be devolved to the Welsh Government. The campaign argues that Wales should benefit directly from the profits of renewable energy, and that this money could be used to address the poverty and inequality in communities across Wales. A poll in 2023 showed that 75% of the population of Wales were in favour of taking control of the assets of the Crown estate rather than the profits going to the Treasury and the Crown. Management of the Crown Estate was devolved to Scotland in 2017, which means that the revenue is returned to Edinburgh rather than Westminster. At the end of 2023, the Scottish Crown Estate had generated £103.6 million for the Scottish government’s purse. The value of the Scottish estate also rose from £568.2 million to £653.1 million that year. Wales should be afforded the same opportunities as Scotland, particularly at a time when the Crown Estate is announcing record net profits, and economic inequality continues in Wales. Projected earnings in Wales could be £42m. All Local Authorities across Wales are under huge financial pressures and placing the Crown Estate in the hands of Wales would be a significant step to address the years of lack of investment in our Local Government. Welsh Labour has consistently claimed it has a firm commitment to devolving the Crown Estate to Wales. However, the new UK government confirmed in August last year that it had not had discussions with the Welsh government about devolving the crown estate to Wales. This Council believes that Wales should be treated fairly and that: · Any profits generated by the Crown Estate, here on Welsh lands and waters, should remain in Wales, for the benefit of our residents and communities. · Responsibility for the Crown Estate assets and revenue in Wales should be devolved to the Welsh Government · The Welsh Government should accept management of the Crown Estate in Wales for the benefit of the people of Wales. The Council therefore requests that: · The Leader writes to the Welsh Government outlining our support to the campaign and asks that Welsh Government persuades the UK Government to devolve the assets and revenue of the Crown Estates in Wales as a matter of urgency. · The Leader writes to the UK Prime Minister asking that the UK Government devolves the assets and revenue of the Crown Estates in Wales to the Welsh Government as a matter of urgency. In accordance with Procedural Rule 10.4.1 of Part 4 of the Council Constitution the following amendment was received in the names of County Borough Councillors A Morgan OBE and M Webber BEM. The amended motion read: The Crown Estate earns its income from a £16 billion property portfolio across the UK, including offshore, and is set up as an independent business returning profits to the Treasury. Since 2011 it has also been used to help fund the monarchy. In the 2023-24 financial year, the estate announced a record £1.1 billion net revenue profit. This is £658.1 million higher than the previous year. In respect of Wales, it is estimated that the estate owns 65% of the nation’s foreshore and riverbeds, and more than 50,000 acres of land. In 2023 a breakdown of Crown Estate assets in Wales showed that the group values amounted to a combined worth of £853,030,454. Across Wales there is a growing campaign calling for management of the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales to be devolved to the Welsh Government. The campaign argues that Wales should benefit directly from the profits of renewable energy, and that this money could be used to address the poverty and inequality in communities across Wales. A poll in 2023 showed that 75% of the population of Wales were in favour of taking control of the assets of the Crown estate rather than the profits going to the Treasury and the Crown. Management of the Crown Estate was devolved to Scotland in 2017, which means that the revenue is returned to Edinburgh rather than Westminster. At the end of 2023, the Scottish Crown Estate had generated £103.6 million for the Scottish government’s purse. The value of the Scottish estate also rose from £568.2 million to £653.1 million that year. Wales should be afforded the same opportunities as Scotland, particularly at a time when the Crown Estate is announcing record net profits, and economic inequality continues in Wales. Projected earnings in Wales could be £42m. All Local Authorities across Wales are under huge financial pressures and placing the Crown Estate in the hands of Wales would be a significant step to address the years of lack of investment in our Local Government. The Welsh Government shares the view that the Crown Estate assets should be devolved to Wales as they have in Scotland. This Council believes that Wales should be treated fairly and that: • Any profits generated by the Crown Estate, here on Welsh lands and waters, should remain in Wales, for the benefit of our residents and communities. • Responsibility for the Crown Estate assets and revenue in Wales should be devolved to the Welsh Government • The Welsh Government should accept management of the Crown Estate in Wales for the benefit of the people of Wales. The Council therefore requests that: • The Leader writes to the Welsh Government outlining our support to the campaign and asks that Welsh Government continues to present the case for devolution of these responsibilities to Wales. • The Leader writes to the UK Prime Minister supporting the Welsh Government’s calls to devolve the assets and revenue of the Crown Estates in Wales to the Welsh Government as a matter of urgency. In accordance with the Council’s Rules of Procedure 12.7, a vote was taken in respect of the amendment to the Notice of Motion and it was RESOLVED to adopt the amendment. (Note: The following names were recorded as abstaining from voting on the amendment to the Notice of Motion: Councillor R Yeo, C Middle, G O Jones, M Maohoub and C Lisles). Following further discussion in respect of the substantive motion, it was RESOLVED to adopt the motion. (Note: The following names were recorded as abstaining from voting on the substantive Notice of Motion: Councillor R Yeo, C Middle, G O Jones, M Maohoub and C Lisles) (Note: the Conservative Group wished to have it recorded that they voted against the substantive Notice of Motion)
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