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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED – that County Borough Councillor Ros Davis is elected as Presiding Officer for the 2025/26 Municipal Year. County Borough Councillor Ros Davis took the Chair following her appointment and addressed Council in her role as Presiding Officer for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year by thanking Members for the opportunity to serve once again as Presiding Officer for the forthcoming Municipal Year. RESOLVED -that County Borough Councillor Barry Stephens is elected as the first Deputy Presiding Officer and County Borough Councillor Jayne Smith is elected as the second Deputy Presiding Officer of the Council for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. Civic Appointments RESOLVED: -To elect County Borough Councillor Sheryl Evans as Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2025- 2026 Municipal Year. -To appoint County Borough Councillor Emma Watts as Deputy Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. The Mayor, Councillor Sheryl Evans thanked Members for the opportunity to continue her role as Mayor for RCT for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year along with her daughter, Samantha as her consort. She confirmed that a total of £8,269.37 had been raised by the Mayor’s charity funds and will be shared amongst the following charities, Greenmeadow Disabled Riding School, 2 Wish Cymru’ Llantrisant, Rhondda Polar Bears Disabled Swimming, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Society and the Taff Ely Veterans. She advised that for the year ahead she will be supporting three new charities which include Wales Air Ambulance, Signposted Cymru, RCT Veterans along with charitable donations to Hope Rescue and Moggie’s Cat Rescue. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Emma Watts thanked Members for appointing her to the role of Deputy Mayor for RCT for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. She paid thanks to her family, ward colleague Councillor G O Jones and paid tribute to her late father, former Councillor John Watts who had previously served as Mayor of RCT. Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of RCT for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. Ministry Area Leader, Rev. Charlotte Rushton, made her address to Council following the civic appointments in her role as Council Chaplain for the Municipal Years 2024-2027. Leader of the Council RESOLVED: -that County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan, OBE, be appointed Leader of the Council for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. In his address to Council, the Leader thanked Members once again for his re appointment and for their continued support. He also paid tribute to the Council staff across the 650 council services who work tirelessly to support the communities of RCT. He referred to the Council’s encouraging outcomes such as achieving positive Social Services and Estyn inspections, the Wales Audit report which highlighted the Council’s good sustainable and financial management (due to the Council’s strong financial team). The Leader also referred to other positive achievements such as the Council having increased its Capital Programme fivefold and currently having the third lowest council tax in Wales per average pay, per dwelling. He added that there are sometimes difficult decisions to make but they are always made with the best interests of the Council and RCT residents in mind and for the long term. He stressed the importance of continuing to safeguard the statutory services such as Children’s Services, Social Services and Education (where around 70% of the Council’s budget is spent). He hoped that residents and Members would continue to see the positive investment across the county borough over the next twelve months. Leader of the Opposition RESOLVED: -to confirm the appointment of County Borough Councillor K Morgan as Leader of the Opposition for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. Councillor K Morgan thanked the Plaid Cymru Group for its support and the Group Leaders congratulated both the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition.
RESOLVED: 1. To note that at the Constitution Committee meeting held on 8th May 2025, that Committee resolved to commend to Council the adoption of the proposed changes outlined within the report (6.3 – 6.4 refers), in respect of the Council’s Notice of Motion Procedure. 2. To agree that the Director of Legal and Democratic Services (as Monitoring Officer) amends the Council’s Constitution to reflect the required amendments detailed in the report and make any consequential changes.
RESOLVED: i. That the scheme for the allocation of seats to the different political groups and bodies to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies, as detailed in the Appendix to this report, be adopted; ii. That the Service Director of Democratic Services & Communication be authorised to make appointments to politically balanced bodies upon receipt by him of notification of the wishes of the political groups subject to any subsequent requests for amendment of membership of Committees, being referred to Council; and iii. That the allocation of Notices of Motion for the 2025-2026Municipal Year is as follows: - Labour Group - 12 Plaid Cymru Group– 3 RCT Independent Group -2 Conservative Group – 1 Independent Group – 2.
RESOLVED to appoint the under-mentioned Committees for the 2025-26 Municipal Year:- a. Planning and Development Committee (x11 Members) b. Licensing Committee (x11 Members) c. Appointments Committee (x5 Members) d. Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee (x5 Members) e. Overview and Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) f. Education & Inclusion Services Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) g. Community Services Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) h. Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) i. Governance & Audit Committee (x6 Members) j. Democratic Services Committee (x21 Members) k. Standards Committee (x2 Members) l. Constitution Committee (x8 Members) m. Pension Fund Committee (x5 Members) n. Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (x6 Members) (Note: The motion ‘That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee considers the proposal that Group Leaders are included in the membership of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee at a future date’ as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr D Grehan and voted in favour by Cllrs A O Rogers, H Gronow, C Lisles and M Powell was not supported).
RESOLVED that subject to the appointment of such Committees at Agenda Item 6, Members are advised to make appointments to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair in-line with the requirements set out within this report: i) Planning and Development Committee Chair – Councillor S Rees Vice Chair - Councillor W Lewis (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor D Grehan as Vice Chair to the Planning & Development Committee as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, A O Rogers, H Gronow, D Evans, P Evans, S Trask, C Lisles and P Binning was not supported). ii) Licensing Committee Chair – Councillor A S Fox Vice Chair – Councillor G Stacey (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor A O Rogers as Vice Chair to the Licensing Committee as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, D Grehan, H Gronow, P Evans and D Evans, was not supported). iii) Appointments Committee Chair – Councillor M Webber BEM Vice Chair – Councillor E Watts (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor K Morgan as Vice Chair to the Appointments Committee as moved by Cllr Sera Evans and seconded by Cllr D Grehan and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, A O Rogers, C Lisles, M Powell and P Binning was not supported). iv) Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee Chair – Councillor R Williams Vice Chair – Councillor L Addiscott (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor D Grehan as Vice Chair to the Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, A O Rogers, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, C Lisles, M Powell and P Binning was not supported). v) Pension Fund Committee Chair – Councillor C Leyshon Vice Chair – Councillor M Ashford 2. To appoint the following as Chair and Vice Chair of the Democratic Services Committee in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (the ‘Measure’); Chair- Councillor W Jones Vice Chair – Councillor M Webber BEM (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor K Morgan as Vice Chair to the Democratic Services Committee as moved by Cllr Sera Evans, seconded by Cllr D Grehan and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, A O Rogers, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, C Lisles, was not supported). 3. To note that in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, the Governance & Audit Committee Chair, who is appointed by the Committee, must be a lay person and the deputy chair must not be a member of the local authority’s executive or an assistant to its executive. 4. To appoint the Chairs and Vice Chairs to the following Scrutiny Committees: Overview & Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor J Edwards/Vice Chair – Councillor J Bonetto Community Services Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor L Tomkinson/ Vice Chair – Councillor T Williams Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor C Middle/ Vice Chair – Councillor W Hughes Education & Inclusion Services Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor Sera Evans/ Vice Chair – Councillor S Emanuel 5. To note the appointment of the Deputy Presiding Officer, Councillor Barry Stephens as the Vice-Chair to the Constitution Committee; 6. To note that the Council’s nomination for the role of Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Service Board Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) as Councillor G Hughes; 7. To note that the Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee will appoint a Chair and Vice Chair from the membership of the Committee; 8. To note the recommendations in respect of which Chairs roles should be in receipt of a Senior Salary in line with the recommendations of the independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) Annual Report (Up to a maximum of 19 overall). 9. To note the need to publish and submit the schedule of remuneration for 2025-26 by 31 July 2025.
RESOLVED: 1. To appoint Members to the Quasi-Judicial Bodies/Ad Hoc Committees for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year as set out: The Local Education Authority Governors (Appointments) Committee (5 Members). (4 Labour, 1 Plaid Cymru): County Borough Councillors R Lewis, G Stacey, J Brencher, S Hickman and Sera Evans Voluntary Early Retirement/Redundancy Panel (5 Members) (4 Labour, 1 Plaid Cymru): County Borough Councillors M Webber BEM, M Ashford, J Bonetto, G O Jones and D Grehan. Joint Consultative Committee (4 Members): County Borough Councillors A Crimmings, R Lewis, A Morgan OBE and M Webber BEM
RESOLVED to appoint representatives to the Outside Bodies as set out below: a) Age Concern Cymru (1 representative) - Councillor G Caple b) Consortium Local Authority Wales (C.L.A.W.) (1 representative) - Councillor C Leyshon c) Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Committee (1 representative) - Councillor A Morgan, OBE d) Edward Thomas Charity (4 representatives) - Councillors R Lewis, R Williams, A S Fox and A Dennis e) Joint Council for Wales (2 representatives) - Councillors M Webber BEM and C Leyshon f) The Alliance (3 representatives) -Councillors Cllr G Jones, Cllr E Watts and Cllr J Smith g) Tower Site Liaison Committee (3 representatives) - Councillors L Addiscott, S Emanuel and K Morgan h) Welsh Local Government Association (5 representatives) -Councillors A Morgan, OBE, M Webber BEM, C Leyshon, R Lewis and A Crimmings i) Welsh Local Government Association Executive Board (1 representative and 1 substitute) -Councillors A Morgan OBE and M Webber BEM j) PATROL (Parking & Traffic Regulations Outside London) Adjudication Joint Committee (1 representative) - Councillor A Morgan, OBE k) South Wales Economic Forum (1 representative)- Councillor M Norris l) Judges Hall Trust (2 representatives) – Councillors G Hughes and W Lewis m) Welsh Centre for International Affairs (1 representative) – Councillor R Lewis n) Allotment Society (1 representative) – Councillor S A Bradwick 2. To appoint representatives to the following non-executive Joint Committees: a) Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (NPA) - Councillor S Emmanuel (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor A O Rogers as the representative to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park was moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs D Grehan, A Ellis, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, C Lisles and M Powell was not supported ) b) South Wales Police Crime Panel - Councillors B Harris and L Addiscott
RESOLVED: 1. That Council determines its nominations to the Corporate Joint Committee Sub-Committees for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year in-line with the requirements, for the following sub committees: • Governance & Audit Sub-Committee – Councillor W Lewis • Regional Transport Sub-Committee – Councillor A Crimmings · Strategic Development Sub-Committee – Councillor M Norris 2. That Council determines its nominations for two Non-Executive Members to the South-East Wales Corporate Joint Committee, Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the 2025 - 2026 Municipal Year: • Councillors D R Bevan and J Turner (deputy member)
RESOLVED: 1. To agree the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2025-2026, 2. To note that this draft calendar is subject to change, based upon the demands of business over the coming municipal year. Any changes or additions will be undertaken in consultation with the appropriate committee chairs; and 3. To agree that with the exception of the Planning and Development Committee, meetings will not be convened during School holidays, subject to urgent business needs.
RESOLVED to note the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report for the Municipal Year 2024-2025.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – that County Borough Councillor Ros Davis is elected as Presiding Officer for the 2025/26 Municipal Year. County Borough Councillor Ros Davis took the Chair following her appointment and addressed Council in her role as Presiding Officer for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year by thanking Members for the opportunity to serve once again as Presiding Officer for the forthcoming Municipal Year. RESOLVED -that County Borough Councillor Barry Stephens is elected as the first Deputy Presiding Officer and County Borough Councillor Jayne Smith is elected as the second Deputy Presiding Officer of the Council for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. Civic Appointments RESOLVED: -To elect County Borough Councillor Sheryl Evans as Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2025- 2026 Municipal Year. -To appoint County Borough Councillor Emma Watts as Deputy Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. The Mayor, Councillor Sheryl Evans thanked Members for the opportunity to continue her role as Mayor for RCT for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year along with her daughter, Samantha as her consort. She confirmed that a total of £8,269.37 had been raised by the Mayor’s charity funds and will be shared amongst the following charities, Greenmeadow Disabled Riding School, 2 Wish Cymru’ Llantrisant, Rhondda Polar Bears Disabled Swimming, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Society and the Taff Ely Veterans. She advised that for the year ahead she will be supporting three new charities which include Wales Air Ambulance, Signposted Cymru, RCT Veterans along with charitable donations to Hope Rescue and Moggie’s Cat Rescue. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Emma Watts thanked Members for appointing her to the role of Deputy Mayor for RCT for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. She paid thanks to her family, ward colleague Councillor G O Jones and paid tribute to her late father, former Councillor John Watts who had previously served as Mayor of RCT. Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of RCT for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. Ministry Area Leader, Rev. Charlotte Rushton, made her address to Council following the civic appointments in her role as Council Chaplain for the Municipal Years 2024-2027. Leader of the Council RESOLVED: -that County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan, OBE, be appointed Leader of the Council for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. In his address to Council, the Leader thanked Members once again for his re appointment and for their continued support. He also paid tribute to the Council staff across the 650 council services who work tirelessly to support the communities of RCT. He referred to the Council’s encouraging outcomes such as achieving positive Social Services and Estyn inspections, the Wales Audit report which highlighted the Council’s good sustainable and financial management (due to the Council’s strong financial team). The Leader also referred to other positive achievements such as the Council having increased its Capital Programme fivefold and currently having the third lowest council tax in Wales per average pay, per dwelling. He added that there are sometimes difficult decisions to make but they are always made with the best interests of the Council and RCT residents in mind and for the long term. He stressed the importance of continuing to safeguard the statutory services such as Children’s Services, Social Services and Education (where around 70% of the Council’s budget is spent). He hoped that residents and Members would continue to see the positive investment across the county borough over the next twelve months. Leader of the Opposition RESOLVED: -to confirm the appointment of County Borough Councillor K Morgan as Leader of the Opposition for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. Councillor K Morgan thanked the Plaid Cymru Group for its support and the Group Leaders congratulated both the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition.
Election of the Presiding Officer & Deputy Presiding Officers RESOLVED – that County Borough Councillor Ros Davis is elected as Presiding Officer for the 2025/26 Municipal Year. County Borough Councillor Ros Davis took the Chair following her appointment and addressed Council in her role as Presiding Officer for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year by thanking Members for the opportunity to serve once again as Presiding Officer for the forthcoming Municipal Year. RESOLVED -that County Borough Councillor Barry Stephens is elected as the first Deputy Presiding Officer and County Borough Councillor Jayne Smith is elected as the second Deputy Presiding Officer of the Council for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. Civic Appointments RESOLVED: -To elect County Borough Councillor Sheryl Evans as Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2025- 2026 Municipal Year. -To appoint County Borough Councillor Emma Watts as Deputy Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. The Mayor, Councillor Sheryl Evans thanked Members for the opportunity to continue her role as Mayor for RCT for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year along with her daughter, Samantha as her consort. She confirmed that a total of £8,269.37 had been raised by the Mayor’s charity funds and will be shared amongst the following charities, Greenmeadow Disabled Riding School, 2 Wish Cymru’ Llantrisant, Rhondda Polar Bears Disabled Swimming, Dementia & Alzheimer’s Society and the Taff Ely Veterans. She advised that for the year ahead she will be supporting three new charities which include Wales Air Ambulance, Signposted Cymru, RCT Veterans along with charitable donations to Hope Rescue and Moggie’s Cat Rescue. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Emma Watts thanked Members for appointing her to the role of Deputy Mayor for RCT for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. She paid thanks to her family, ward colleague Councillor G O Jones and paid tribute to her late father, former Councillor John Watts who had previously served as Mayor of RCT. Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of RCT for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. Ministry Area Leader, Rev. Charlotte Rushton, made her address to Council following the civic appointments in her role as Council Chaplain for the Municipal Years 2024-2027. Leader of the Council RESOLVED: -that County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan, OBE, be appointed Leader of the Council for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. In his address to Council, the Leader thanked Members once again for his re appointment and for their continued support. He also paid tribute to the Council staff across the 650 council services who work tirelessly to support the communities of RCT. He referred to the Council’s encouraging outcomes such as achieving positive Social Services and Estyn inspections, the Wales Audit report which highlighted the Council’s good sustainable and financial management (due to the Council’s strong financial team). The Leader also referred to other positive achievements such as the Council having increased its Capital Programme fivefold and currently having the third lowest council tax in Wales per average pay, per dwelling. He added that there are sometimes difficult decisions to make but they are always made with the best interests of the Council and RCT residents in mind and for the long term. He stressed the importance of continuing to safeguard the statutory services such as Children’s Services, Social Services and Education (where around 70% of the Council’s budget is spent). He hoped that residents and Members would continue to see the positive investment across the county borough over the next twelve months. Leader of the Opposition RESOLVED: -to confirm the appointment of County Borough Councillor K Morgan as Leader of the Opposition for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. Councillor K Morgan thanked the Plaid Cymru Group for its support and the Group Leaders congratulated both the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition.
RESOLVEDto note the Cabinet and their individual designations, as follows:- · County Borough Councillor A. Morgan OBE, Leader & Cabinet Member for Infrastructure & Investment · County Borough Councillor M. Webber BEM, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Business & Corporate Estates · County Borough Councillor M. Norris, Cabinet Member for Development & Prosperity · County Borough Councillor R. Lewis, Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and the Welsh Language · County Borough Councillor G. Caple, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care · County Borough Councillor B. Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health & Communities · County Borough Councillor A. Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure · County Borough Councillor Cllr C Leyshon - Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation & Climate Change. The Deputy Leader thanked the Leader of the Council for her re-election, a role she was privileged to hold which enabled her to work alongside her fellow colleagues, other Members and staff. She stressed the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness. Councillor Webber commented that it is a privilege to work alongside the Leader of the Council who is respected in Wales and further afield. The Leader acknowledged the continued support of his Deputy Leader, Cabinet members and all his Labour colleagues and he alluded to making substantial changes to the Cabinet positions following the summer recess.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note that at the Constitution Committee meeting held on 8th May 2025, that Committee resolved to commend to Council the adoption of the proposed changes outlined within the report (6.3 – 6.4 refers), in respect of the Council’s Notice of Motion Procedure. 2. To agree that the Director of Legal and Democratic Services (as Monitoring Officer) amends the Council’s Constitution to reflect the required amendments detailed in the report and make any consequential changes.
The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication presented his joint report with the Director of Legal & Democratic Services which provided Council with the proposed amendments to the Council’s Constitution in respect of Notice of Motions and he sought Council’s approval in relation to the said amendments. The Service Director reminded Council that In April 2024, a Notice of Motion was proposed by the Independent Group to consider improving the current mechanism for receiving Notices of Motions to Full Council by way of ‘potential revisions or other options, to enable Elected Members to discuss important matters, in a most relevant and co-operative way’. He added that a working group of the Democratic Services Committee was comprised which included an extended invite to Group Leaders and the mover and seconder of the Notice of Motion. In conclusion, the Service Director referred Members to the recommendations of the working group which were set out at section 5 (a-f) and provided a detailed explanation in respect of each. Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED: 1. To note that at the Constitution Committee meeting held on 8th May 2025, that Committee resolved to commend to Council the adoption of the proposed changes outlined within the report (6.3 – 6.4 refers), in respect of the Council’s Notice of Motion Procedure. 2. To agree that the Director of Legal and Democratic Services (as Monitoring Officer) amends the Council’s Constitution to reflect the required amendments detailed in the report and make any consequential changes.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: i. That the scheme for the allocation of seats to the different political groups and bodies to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies, as detailed in the Appendix to this report, be adopted; ii. That the Service Director of Democratic Services & Communication be authorised to make appointments to politically balanced bodies upon receipt by him of notification of the wishes of the political groups subject to any subsequent requests for amendment of membership of Committees, being referred to Council; and iii. That the allocation of Notices of Motion for the 2025-2026Municipal Year is as follows: - Labour Group - 12 Plaid Cymru Group– 3 RCT Independent Group -2 Conservative Group – 1 Independent Group – 2.
Through his joint report with the Director of Legal & Democratic Services, the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication, advised Members that there has been no change to the Political Balance of the Authority for the 2025/26 Municipal Year. The Service Director highlighted the available seats which require appointment by the respective political groups as set out in tables A and B of the appendix to the report. He advised that as previously confirmed, the Labour Group have agreed the allocation of the Chair of the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee to the Plaid Cymru Group. In conclusion, the Service Director referred Members to Section 5 which seeks Council’s determination of the allocation of the notices of motion for the new Municipal Year (which remain the same as outlined for the previous Municipal Year). Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED: i. That the scheme for the allocation of seats to the different political groups and bodies to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies, as detailed in the Appendix to this report, be adopted; ii. That the Service Director of Democratic Services & Communication be authorised to make appointments to politically balanced bodies upon receipt by him of notification of the wishes of the political groups subject to any subsequent requests for amendment of membership of Committees, being referred to Council; and iii. That the allocation of Notices of Motion for the 2025-2026Municipal Year is as follows: - Labour Group - 12 Plaid Cymru Group– 3 RCT Independent Group -2 Conservative Group – 1 Independent Group – 2.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to appoint the under-mentioned Committees for the 2025-26 Municipal Year:- a. Planning and Development Committee (x11 Members) b. Licensing Committee (x11 Members) c. Appointments Committee (x5 Members) d. Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee (x5 Members) e. Overview and Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) f. Education & Inclusion Services Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) g. Community Services Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) h. Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) i. Governance & Audit Committee (x6 Members) j. Democratic Services Committee (x21 Members) k. Standards Committee (x2 Members) l. Constitution Committee (x8 Members) m. Pension Fund Committee (x5 Members) n. Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (x6 Members) (Note: The motion ‘That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee considers the proposal that Group Leaders are included in the membership of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee at a future date’ as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr D Grehan and voted in favour by Cllrs A O Rogers, H Gronow, C Lisles and M Powell was not supported).
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication presented his report which sought the appointment of the Council’s Committees for the 2025- 2026 Municipal Year. RESOLVED to appoint the under-mentioned Committees for the 2025-26 Municipal Year:- a. Planning and Development Committee (x11 Members) b. Licensing Committee (x11 Members) c. Appointments Committee (x5 Members) d. Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee (x5 Members) e. Overview and Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) f. Education & Inclusion Services Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) g. Community Services Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) h. Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee (x14 Members) i. Governance & Audit Committee (x6 Members) j. Democratic Services Committee (x21 Members) k. Standards Committee (x2 Members) l. Constitution Committee (x8 Members) m. Pension Fund Committee (x5 Members) n. Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (x6 Members) (Note: The motion ‘That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee considers the proposal that Group Leaders are included in the membership of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee at a future date’ as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr D Grehan and voted in favour by Cllrs A O Rogers, H Gronow, C Lisles and M Powell was not supported).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that subject to the appointment of such Committees at Agenda Item 6, Members are advised to make appointments to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair in-line with the requirements set out within this report: i) Planning and Development Committee Chair – Councillor S Rees Vice Chair - Councillor W Lewis (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor D Grehan as Vice Chair to the Planning & Development Committee as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, A O Rogers, H Gronow, D Evans, P Evans, S Trask, C Lisles and P Binning was not supported). ii) Licensing Committee Chair – Councillor A S Fox Vice Chair – Councillor G Stacey (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor A O Rogers as Vice Chair to the Licensing Committee as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, D Grehan, H Gronow, P Evans and D Evans, was not supported). iii) Appointments Committee Chair – Councillor M Webber BEM Vice Chair – Councillor E Watts (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor K Morgan as Vice Chair to the Appointments Committee as moved by Cllr Sera Evans and seconded by Cllr D Grehan and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, A O Rogers, C Lisles, M Powell and P Binning was not supported). iv) Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee Chair – Councillor R Williams Vice Chair – Councillor L Addiscott (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor D Grehan as Vice Chair to the Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, A O Rogers, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, C Lisles, M Powell and P Binning was not supported). v) Pension Fund Committee Chair – Councillor C Leyshon Vice Chair – Councillor M Ashford 2. To appoint the following as Chair and Vice Chair of the Democratic Services Committee in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (the ‘Measure’); Chair- Councillor W Jones Vice Chair – Councillor M Webber BEM (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor K Morgan as Vice Chair to the Democratic Services Committee as moved by Cllr Sera Evans, seconded by Cllr D Grehan and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, A O Rogers, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, C Lisles, was not supported). 3. To note that in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, the Governance & Audit Committee Chair, who is appointed by the Committee, must be a lay person and the deputy chair must not be a member of the local authority’s executive or an assistant to its executive. 4. To appoint the Chairs and Vice Chairs to the following Scrutiny Committees: Overview & Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor J Edwards/Vice Chair – Councillor J Bonetto Community Services Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor L Tomkinson/ Vice Chair – Councillor T Williams Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor C Middle/ Vice Chair – Councillor W Hughes Education & Inclusion Services Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor Sera Evans/ Vice Chair – Councillor S Emanuel 5. To note the appointment of the Deputy Presiding Officer, Councillor Barry Stephens as the Vice-Chair to the Constitution Committee; 6. To note that the Council’s nomination for the role of Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Service Board Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) as Councillor G Hughes; 7. To note that the Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee will appoint a Chair and Vice Chair from the membership of the Committee; 8. To note the recommendations in respect of which Chairs roles should be in receipt of a Senior Salary in line with the recommendations of the independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) Annual Report (Up to a maximum of 19 overall). 9. To note the need to publish and submit the schedule of remuneration for 2025-26 by 31 July 2025.
In his report the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication sought consideration to the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs to the Council’s Committees for the Municipal Year 2025-2026 and it was RESOLVED that subject to the appointment of such Committees at Agenda Item 6, Members are advised to make appointments to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair in-line with the requirements set out within this report: i) Planning and Development Committee Chair – Councillor S Rees Vice Chair - Councillor W Lewis (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor D Grehan as Vice Chair to the Planning & Development Committee as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, A O Rogers, H Gronow, D Evans, P Evans, S Trask, C Lisles and P Binning was not supported). ii) Licensing Committee Chair – Councillor A S Fox Vice Chair – Councillor G Stacey (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor A O Rogers as Vice Chair to the Licensing Committee as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, D Grehan, H Gronow, P Evans and D Evans, was not supported). iii) Appointments Committee Chair – Councillor M Webber BEM Vice Chair – Councillor E Watts (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor K Morgan as Vice Chair to the Appointments Committee as moved by Cllr Sera Evans and seconded by Cllr D Grehan and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, A O Rogers, C Lisles, M Powell and P Binning was not supported). iv) Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee Chair – Councillor R Williams Vice Chair – Councillor L Addiscott (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor D Grehan as Vice Chair to the Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee as moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, A O Rogers, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, C Lisles, M Powell and P Binning was not supported). v) Pension Fund Committee Chair – Councillor C Leyshon Vice Chair – Councillor M Ashford 2. To appoint the following as Chair and Vice Chair of the Democratic Services Committee in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 (the ‘Measure’); Chair- Councillor W Jones Vice Chair – Councillor M Webber BEM (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor K Morgan as Vice Chair to the Democratic Services Committee as moved by Cllr Sera Evans, seconded by Cllr D Grehan and voted in favour by Cllrs A Ellis, A O Rogers, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, C Lisles, was not supported). 3. To note that in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government & Elections (Wales) Act 2021, the Governance & Audit Committee Chair, who is appointed by the Committee, must be a lay person and the deputy chair must not be a member of the local authority’s executive or an assistant to its executive. 4. To appoint the Chairs and Vice Chairs to the following Scrutiny Committees: Overview & Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor J Edwards/Vice Chair – Councillor J Bonetto Community Services Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor L Tomkinson/ Vice Chair – Councillor T Williams Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor C Middle/ Vice Chair – Councillor W Hughes Education & Inclusion Services Scrutiny Committee Chair – Councillor Sera Evans/ Vice Chair – Councillor S Emanuel 5. To note the appointment of the Deputy Presiding Officer, Councillor Barry Stephens as the Vice-Chair to the Constitution Committee; 6. To note that the Council’s nomination for the role of Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Service Board Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) as Councillor G Hughes; 7. To note that the Corporate Joint Committee Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee will appoint a Chair and Vice Chair from the membership of the Committee; 8. To note the recommendations in respect of which Chairs roles should be in receipt of a Senior Salary in line with the recommendations of the independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) Annual Report (Up to a maximum of 19 overall). 9. To note the need to publish and submit the schedule of remuneration for 2025-26 by 31 July 2025.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To appoint Members to the Quasi-Judicial Bodies/Ad Hoc Committees for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year as set out: The Local Education Authority Governors (Appointments) Committee (5 Members). (4 Labour, 1 Plaid Cymru): County Borough Councillors R Lewis, G Stacey, J Brencher, S Hickman and Sera Evans Voluntary Early Retirement/Redundancy Panel (5 Members) (4 Labour, 1 Plaid Cymru): County Borough Councillors M Webber BEM, M Ashford, J Bonetto, G O Jones and D Grehan. Joint Consultative Committee (4 Members): County Borough Councillors A Crimmings, R Lewis, A Morgan OBE and M Webber BEM
The Service Director Democratic Services presented his report in respect of appointing Members to the Quasi-Judicial Bodies/Ad Hoc Committees for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year subject to the political balance of the Council as set out at section three of the report. It was RESOLVED: 1. To appoint Members to the Quasi-Judicial Bodies/Ad Hoc Committees for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year as set out: The Local Education Authority Governors (Appointments) Committee (5 Members). (4 Labour, 1 Plaid Cymru): County Borough Councillors R Lewis, G Stacey, J Brencher, S Hickman and Sera Evans Voluntary Early Retirement/Redundancy Panel (5 Members) (4 Labour, 1 Plaid Cymru): County Borough Councillors M Webber BEM, M Ashford, J Bonetto, G O Jones and D Grehan. Joint Consultative Committee (4 Members): County Borough Councillors A Crimmings, R Lewis, A Morgan OBE and M Webber BEM
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to appoint representatives to the Outside Bodies as set out below: a) Age Concern Cymru (1 representative) - Councillor G Caple b) Consortium Local Authority Wales (C.L.A.W.) (1 representative) - Councillor C Leyshon c) Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Committee (1 representative) - Councillor A Morgan, OBE d) Edward Thomas Charity (4 representatives) - Councillors R Lewis, R Williams, A S Fox and A Dennis e) Joint Council for Wales (2 representatives) - Councillors M Webber BEM and C Leyshon f) The Alliance (3 representatives) -Councillors Cllr G Jones, Cllr E Watts and Cllr J Smith g) Tower Site Liaison Committee (3 representatives) - Councillors L Addiscott, S Emanuel and K Morgan h) Welsh Local Government Association (5 representatives) -Councillors A Morgan, OBE, M Webber BEM, C Leyshon, R Lewis and A Crimmings i) Welsh Local Government Association Executive Board (1 representative and 1 substitute) -Councillors A Morgan OBE and M Webber BEM j) PATROL (Parking & Traffic Regulations Outside London) Adjudication Joint Committee (1 representative) - Councillor A Morgan, OBE k) South Wales Economic Forum (1 representative)- Councillor M Norris l) Judges Hall Trust (2 representatives) – Councillors G Hughes and W Lewis m) Welsh Centre for International Affairs (1 representative) – Councillor R Lewis n) Allotment Society (1 representative) – Councillor S A Bradwick 2. To appoint representatives to the following non-executive Joint Committees: a) Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (NPA) - Councillor S Emmanuel (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor A O Rogers as the representative to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park was moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs D Grehan, A Ellis, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, C Lisles and M Powell was not supported ) b) South Wales Police Crime Panel - Councillors B Harris and L Addiscott
RESOLVED to appoint representatives to the Outside Bodies as set out below: a) Age Concern Cymru (1 representative) - Councillor G Caple b) Consortium Local Authority Wales (C.L.A.W.) (1 representative) - Councillor C Leyshon c) Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Committee (1 representative) - Councillor A Morgan, OBE d) Edward Thomas Charity (4 representatives) - Councillors R Lewis, R Williams, A S Fox and A Dennis e) Joint Council for Wales (2 representatives) - Councillors M Webber BEM and C Leyshon f) The Alliance (3 representatives) -Councillors Cllr G Jones, Cllr E Watts and Cllr J Smith g) Tower Site Liaison Committee (3 representatives) - Councillors L Addiscott, S Emanuel and K Morgan h) Welsh Local Government Association (5 representatives) -Councillors A Morgan, OBE, M Webber BEM, C Leyshon, R Lewis and A Crimmings i) Welsh Local Government Association Executive Board (1 representative and 1 substitute) -Councillors A Morgan OBE and M Webber BEM j) PATROL (Parking & Traffic Regulations Outside London) Adjudication Joint Committee (1 representative) - Councillor A Morgan, OBE k) South Wales Economic Forum (1 representative)- Councillor M Norris l) Judges Hall Trust (2 representatives) – Councillors G Hughes and W Lewis m) Welsh Centre for International Affairs (1 representative) – Councillor R Lewis n) Allotment Society (1 representative) – Councillor S A Bradwick 2. To appoint representatives to the following non-executive Joint Committees: a) Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (NPA) - Councillor S Emmanuel (Note: The motion to appoint Councillor A O Rogers as the representative to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park was moved by Cllr K Morgan, seconded by Cllr Sera Evans and voted in favour by Cllrs D Grehan, A Ellis, H Gronow, P Evans, D Evans, C Lisles and M Powell was not supported ) b) South Wales Police Crime Panel - Councillors B Harris and L Addiscott
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. That Council determines its nominations to the Corporate Joint Committee Sub-Committees for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year in-line with the requirements, for the following sub committees: • Governance & Audit Sub-Committee – Councillor W Lewis • Regional Transport Sub-Committee – Councillor A Crimmings · Strategic Development Sub-Committee – Councillor M Norris 2. That Council determines its nominations for two Non-Executive Members to the South-East Wales Corporate Joint Committee, Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the 2025 - 2026 Municipal Year: • Councillors D R Bevan and J Turner (deputy member)
The Service Director Democratic Services & Communication presented the report which sought Council’s nominations to the committees of the South-East Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED: 1. That Council determines its nominations to the Corporate Joint Committee Sub-Committees for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year in-line with the requirements, for the following sub committees: • Governance & Audit Sub-Committee – Councillor W Lewis • Regional Transport Sub-Committee – Councillor A Crimmings · Strategic Development Sub-Committee – Councillor M Norris 2. That Council determines its nominations for two Non-Executive Members to the South-East Wales Corporate Joint Committee, Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the 2025 - 2026 Municipal Year: • Councillors D R Bevan and J Turner (deputy member)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To agree the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2025-2026, 2. To note that this draft calendar is subject to change, based upon the demands of business over the coming municipal year. Any changes or additions will be undertaken in consultation with the appropriate committee chairs; and 3. To agree that with the exception of the Planning and Development Committee, meetings will not be convened during School holidays, subject to urgent business needs.
Through his report, the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication sought the approval of the attached Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2025 – 2026 set out at Appendix 1 and he referred to the element of flexibility that is required as the calendar is subject to change based on the demands of council business. The Service Director referred to the results of the survey which was carried out in line with Section 6(2) of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 which are summarised at section four of the report. He added that outside of the statutory requirement, the feedback has once again reflected the support provided by Democratic Services which has subsequently been considered by the Democratic Services Committee. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED: 1. To agree the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2025-2026, 2. To note that this draft calendar is subject to change, based upon the demands of business over the coming municipal year. Any changes or additions will be undertaken in consultation with the appropriate committee chairs; and 3. To agree that with the exception of the Planning and Development Committee, meetings will not be convened during School holidays, subject to urgent business needs.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to note the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report for the Municipal Year 2024-2025.
The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication presented his report which provided Council with the Annual Report of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the 2024-2025 Municipal Year. He added that the report was endorsed by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on the 12th May 2025 with engagement from the Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs. The Service Director concluded that this report is the first of the annual reports to be brought before Council throughout the Municipal Year, subject to the demands of business. Members received County Borough Councillor Julie Edwards, Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, who presented the Overview & Scrutiny annual report for the 2024/2025 Municipal Year. She outlined specific areas of work such as the Cabinet Member Engagement Sessions which have taken place across all scrutiny committees throughout the year as well as a strong emphasis on pre-scrutiny. She was pleased that there has been an increase in public attendance and participation at meetings including contributions to call-ins, consultations and petitions and concluded her address with a thanks paid to the Chairs and Vice Chairs of each Committee for their leadership and commitment, as well as to the Co-opted Members and Officers who continue to provide high quality support and evidence. The Chair of the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Sera Evans also took the opportunity to thank the Members, Co-opted members and Officers (including the Members Services team) for their valuable contributions and support to the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee over the past year. She referenced the work of the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny working group on the sustainable communities for learning programme which would culminate shortly with a set of recommendations that would inform future projects. The Chair of the Democratic Services Committee also wished to thank all the scrutiny committees for their contributions and the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication and his team within the Council Business Unit for their continued support to all Elected Members RESOLVED to note the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report for the Municipal Year 2024-2025.
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