Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED – that County Borough Councillor W Lewis is elected as Presiding Officer for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year. County Borough Councillor W Lewis took the Chair following her appointment and addressed Council in her role as Presiding Officer for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year and thanked 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 Sheryl Evans is elected as the second Deputy Presiding Officer of the Council for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year. Civic Appointments RESOLVED: -To elect County Borough Councillor E Watts as Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2026- 2027 Municipal Year. -To appoint County Borough Councillor G Warren as Deputy Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year. An address was received from the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Sheryl Evans on her achievements and the honour of serving as Mayor for RCT for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. The appointed Mayor for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year, Councillor E Watts thanked Members for the opportunity to represent the County Borough in this role which she regarded as a great honour. She anticipated undertaking her role as Mayor to benefit local charities and to champion community groups. Councillor Watts announced her chosen charities as; 1. Valley Veterans; 2. Friends of Y Bwthyn; and 3. National Autistic Society RCT. Councillor Watts paid thanks to her family for their unwavering encouragement and her ward colleague Councillor G O Jones for his continued support and she paid tribute to her late father, former Councillor John Watts who had been Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf exactly 10 years ago to the day. In conclusion, the Mayor announced her consorts for the ensuing year would be her daughter Ellie Butler and son Carter Dunning. Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the outgoing Mayor, elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of RCT for the 2026-2027 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. Councillor A Morgan MBE addressed Council in view of his decision to step down as Leader of the Council and this being his last meeting as Leader. He thanked his Cabinet, Labour Group members and everyone for their support. The Leader acknowledged the challenging times he has faced during his leadership, the flooding events, the Covid Pandemic and difficult times of austerity but he praised the Council Officers for their steadfast attitude to the ‘RCT team’ approach which has drawn recognition from others such as Estyn, CSIW and the recent Panel Performance Assessment. The Leader referred to the substantial investment in the Local Authority with new schools, 16 3G pitches, town centre investment and the significant investment in the Sports Centres which has contributed to the increase in the number of Leisure for Life memberships. The Leader recounted the success of the Eisteddfod in Pontypridd and welcomed the reintroduction of large scale music events in Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd as hugely important . He acknowledged the important role RCT Council plays on a number of Outside Bodies which strengthens its regional collaboration and brings with it a number of benefits. In conclusion, the Leader paid tribute to the former Cabinet Member for Education & the Welsh Language, Councillor Rhys Lewis who had recently stepped down from his Cabinet role. The Leader was privileged to have lead the Council alongside his Deputy Leader, Councillor Maureen Webber BME for so many years and he paid huge thanks to his colleagues and the staff at RCT Council. The Deputy Group Leader of the Opposition and Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations and best wishes to the outgoing Leader. Leader of the Council RESOLVED: -that County Borough Councillor Ann Crimmings, be appointed Leader of the Council for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year. The Leader spoke of the honour in accepting the Leadership role and recognised the exceptional leadership of Councillor Morgan OBE and particularly his ability to lead the Council through many challenging events to ensure a strong and resilient Council. Councillor Crimmings set out her priorities for the ensuing year such as continuing to work with RCT Officers, building on the strong legacy, continuing the record investment programme and supporting the most vulnerable residents. Councillor Crimmings looked ahead to representing RCT in the new arrangement following the forthcoming Elections. The Deputy Group Leader of the Opposition and Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the new Leader, Councillor Crimmings. Leader of the Opposition RESOLVED: -to confirm the appointment of County Borough Councillor K Morgan as Leader of the Opposition Group for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year.
RESOLVED to note the Cabinet and their individual designations, as set out in the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation 3A (which was emailed to all Members during the course of the meeting): • County Borough Councillor A Crimmings, Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance • County Borough Councillor M Webber, BEM, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Business & Welsh Language • County Borough Councillor S Rees, Cabinet Member for Education & Young People • County Borough Councillor G Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care • County Borough Councillor M Norris, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Housing The following portfolios are through a job share arrangement: • County Borough Councillors L Addiscott/A. Morgan OBE-Cabinet Members for Environment & Capital Infrastructure • County Borough Councillors S Emanuel/B. Harris, Cabinet Members for Communities, Culture & Leisure • County Borough Councillors R Davis/C Leyshon - Cabinet Members for Resources, Customer & Energy The Deputy Leader thanked the Leader of the Council, Councillor A Crimmings for her re-election, a role she was privileged to hold and she paid tribute to the outgoing Leader Councillor A Morgan OBE.
RESOLVED: 1. 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; 2. 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 3. That the allocation of Notices of Motion for the 2026-2027 Municipal 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 2026-2027 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)
RESOLVED that the following appointments to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair in-line with the requirements set out within this report are as follows: Planning and Development Committee: Chair – Councillor R. Williams Vice Chair - Councillor J. Smith Licensing Committee: Chair – Councillor A S Fox Vice Chair – Councillor G Stacey Appointments Committee: Chair – Councillor M Webber BEM Vice Chair – Councillor B Stephens Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee Chair – Councillor J Brencher Vice Chair – Councillor N Morgan Pension Fund Committee Chair – Councillor J Smith Vice Chair – Councillor T Leyshon 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 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 R Lewis 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 B Stephens 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 Annual Remuneration Report 2026-2027; and 9. To note the need to publish and submit the schedule of remuneration for 2026-2027 by 31 July 2026 to the newly formed Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru (the Commission).
RESOLVED: 1.To appoint the following Members to the Quasi-Judicial Bodies/Ad Hoc Committees for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year as follows: The Local Education Authority Governors (Appointments) Committee (5 Members). (4 Labour, 1 Plaid Cymru): County Borough Councillors S Rees, G Stacey, J Edwards, J Brencher 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, M Webber BEM, S Rees and G Caple
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 R Davis. 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 G Jones, G Warren and M Maohoub. g) Tower Site Liaison Committee (3 representatives) - Councillors L Addiscott, S Emanuel and K Morgan. h) Welsh Local Government Association (5 representatives) -Councillors A Crimmings, M Webber BEM, S Rees, C Leyshon, M Norris. i) Welsh Local Government Association Executive Board (1 representative and 1 substitute) -Councillors A Crimmings and M Webber BEM. j) PATROL (Parking & Traffic Regulations Outside London) Adjudication Joint Committee (1 representative) - Councillor L Addiscott. k) Trivallis- (1 Member representative 3 year term)- Councillor C Middle. l) Business in Focus (1 representative 3 year term) – Councillor M Norris. m) Strategic Reference Group (Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board) – Councillor G Caple. n) Welsh Centre for International Affairs (1 Member representative for the remaining term 2025-2029)- Councillor S Emanuel. o) Welsh Books (1 Member representative for the remaining term 2024-2027) – Councillor S Rees. To appoint representatives to the following non-executive Joint Committees: a) Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (NPA) - Councillor A Rogers b) South Wales Police Crime Panel (2 representatives) – Councillors W Treeby and M Maohoub c) Cwm Taf Morgannwg Community Health Council (3 representatives) – Councillors M Ashford, J Bonetto and K Morgan d) Fire & Rescue Authorities (FRA’s) (1 representative (Executive Members)) – Councillor B Harris
RESOLVED that Council determines its nominations to the Corporate Joint Committee Sub-Committees for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year in-line with the requirements, 1. For the following sub committees: • Governance & Audit Sub-Committee – Councillor W Lewis • Regional Transport Sub-Committee – Councillor L Addiscott • 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 2026 - 2027 Municipal Year: • Councillors D R Bevan and C Preedy
RESOLVED: 1. To agree the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2026-2027, 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 2025-2026.
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 W Lewis is elected as Presiding Officer for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year. County Borough Councillor W Lewis took the Chair following her appointment and addressed Council in her role as Presiding Officer for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year and thanked 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 Sheryl Evans is elected as the second Deputy Presiding Officer of the Council for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year. Civic Appointments RESOLVED: -To elect County Borough Councillor E Watts as Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2026- 2027 Municipal Year. -To appoint County Borough Councillor G Warren as Deputy Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year. An address was received from the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Sheryl Evans on her achievements and the honour of serving as Mayor for RCT for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. The appointed Mayor for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year, Councillor E Watts thanked Members for the opportunity to represent the County Borough in this role which she regarded as a great honour. She anticipated undertaking her role as Mayor to benefit local charities and to champion community groups. Councillor Watts announced her chosen charities as; 1. Valley Veterans; 2. Friends of Y Bwthyn; and 3. National Autistic Society RCT. Councillor Watts paid thanks to her family for their unwavering encouragement and her ward colleague Councillor G O Jones for his continued support and she paid tribute to her late father, former Councillor John Watts who had been Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf exactly 10 years ago to the day. In conclusion, the Mayor announced her consorts for the ensuing year would be her daughter Ellie Butler and son Carter Dunning. Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the outgoing Mayor, elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of RCT for the 2026-2027 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. Councillor A Morgan MBE addressed Council in view of his decision to step down as Leader of the Council and this being his last meeting as Leader. He thanked his Cabinet, Labour Group members and everyone for their support. The Leader acknowledged the challenging times he has faced during his leadership, the flooding events, the Covid Pandemic and difficult times of austerity but he praised the Council Officers for their steadfast attitude to the ‘RCT team’ approach which has drawn recognition from others such as Estyn, CSIW and the recent Panel Performance Assessment. The Leader referred to the substantial investment in the Local Authority with new schools, 16 3G pitches, town centre investment and the significant investment in the Sports Centres which has contributed to the increase in the number of Leisure for Life memberships. The Leader recounted the success of the Eisteddfod in Pontypridd and welcomed the reintroduction of large scale music events in Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd as hugely important . He acknowledged the important role RCT Council plays on a number of Outside Bodies which strengthens its regional collaboration and brings with it a number of benefits. In conclusion, the Leader paid tribute to the former Cabinet Member for Education & the Welsh Language, Councillor Rhys Lewis who had recently stepped down from his Cabinet role. The Leader was privileged to have lead the Council alongside his Deputy Leader, Councillor Maureen Webber BME for so many years and he paid huge thanks to his colleagues and the staff at RCT Council. The Deputy Group Leader of the Opposition and Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations and best wishes to the outgoing Leader. Leader of the Council RESOLVED: -that County Borough Councillor Ann Crimmings, be appointed Leader of the Council for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year. The Leader spoke of the honour in accepting the Leadership role and recognised the exceptional leadership of Councillor Morgan OBE and particularly his ability to lead the Council through many challenging events to ensure a strong and resilient Council. Councillor Crimmings set out her priorities for the ensuing year such as continuing to work with RCT Officers, building on the strong legacy, continuing the record investment programme and supporting the most vulnerable residents. Councillor Crimmings looked ahead to representing RCT in the new arrangement following the forthcoming Elections. The Deputy Group Leader of the Opposition and Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the new Leader, Councillor Crimmings. Leader of the Opposition RESOLVED: -to confirm the appointment of County Borough Councillor K Morgan as Leader of the Opposition Group for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year.
Election of the Presiding Officer & Deputy Presiding Officers RESOLVED – that County Borough Councillor W Lewis is elected as Presiding Officer for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year. County Borough Councillor W Lewis took the Chair following her appointment and addressed Council in her role as Presiding Officer for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year and thanked 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 Sheryl Evans is elected as the second Deputy Presiding Officer of the Council for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year. Civic Appointments RESOLVED: -To elect County Borough Councillor E Watts as Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2026- 2027 Municipal Year. -To appoint County Borough Councillor G Warren as Deputy Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year. An address was received from the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Sheryl Evans on her achievements and the honour of serving as Mayor for RCT for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. The appointed Mayor for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year, Councillor E Watts thanked Members for the opportunity to represent the County Borough in this role which she regarded as a great honour. She anticipated undertaking her role as Mayor to benefit local charities and to champion community groups. Councillor Watts announced her chosen charities as; 1. Valley Veterans; 2. Friends of Y Bwthyn; and 3. National Autistic Society RCT. Councillor Watts paid thanks to her family for their unwavering encouragement and her ward colleague Councillor G O Jones for his continued support and she paid tribute to her late father, former Councillor John Watts who had been Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf exactly 10 years ago to the day. In conclusion, the Mayor announced her consorts for the ensuing year would be her daughter Ellie Butler and son Carter Dunning. Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the outgoing Mayor, elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor of RCT for the 2026-2027 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. Councillor A Morgan MBE addressed Council in view of his decision to step down as Leader of the Council and this being his last meeting as Leader. He thanked his Cabinet, Labour Group members and everyone for their support. The Leader acknowledged the challenging times he has faced during his leadership, the flooding events, the Covid Pandemic and difficult times of austerity but he praised the Council Officers for their steadfast attitude to the ‘RCT team’ approach which has drawn recognition from others such as Estyn, CSIW and the recent Panel Performance Assessment. The Leader referred to the substantial investment in the Local Authority with new schools, 16 3G pitches, town centre investment and the significant investment in the Sports Centres which has contributed to the increase in the number of Leisure for Life memberships. The Leader recounted the success of the Eisteddfod in Pontypridd and welcomed the reintroduction of large scale music events in Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd as hugely important . He acknowledged the important role RCT Council plays on a number of Outside Bodies which strengthens its regional collaboration and brings with it a number of benefits. In conclusion, the Leader paid tribute to the former Cabinet Member for Education & the Welsh Language, Councillor Rhys Lewis who had recently stepped down from his Cabinet role. The Leader was privileged to have lead the Council alongside his Deputy Leader, Councillor Maureen Webber BME for so many years and he paid huge thanks to his colleagues and the staff at RCT Council. The Deputy Group Leader of the Opposition and Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations and best wishes to the outgoing Leader. Leader of the Council RESOLVED: -that County Borough Councillor Ann Crimmings, be appointed Leader of the Council for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year. The Leader spoke of the honour in accepting the Leadership role and recognised the exceptional leadership of Councillor Morgan OBE and particularly his ability to lead the Council through many challenging events to ensure a strong and resilient Council. Councillor Crimmings set out her priorities for the ensuing year such as continuing to work with RCT Officers, building on the strong legacy, continuing the record investment programme and supporting the most vulnerable residents. Councillor Crimmings looked ahead to representing RCT in the new arrangement following the forthcoming Elections. The Deputy Group Leader of the Opposition and Group Leaders took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the new Leader, Councillor Crimmings. Leader of the Opposition RESOLVED: -to confirm the appointment of County Borough Councillor K Morgan as Leader of the Opposition Group for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to note the Cabinet and their individual designations, as set out in the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation 3A (which was emailed to all Members during the course of the meeting): • County Borough Councillor A Crimmings, Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance • County Borough Councillor M Webber, BEM, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Business & Welsh Language • County Borough Councillor S Rees, Cabinet Member for Education & Young People • County Borough Councillor G Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care • County Borough Councillor M Norris, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Housing The following portfolios are through a job share arrangement: • County Borough Councillors L Addiscott/A. Morgan OBE-Cabinet Members for Environment & Capital Infrastructure • County Borough Councillors S Emanuel/B. Harris, Cabinet Members for Communities, Culture & Leisure • County Borough Councillors R Davis/C Leyshon - Cabinet Members for Resources, Customer & Energy The Deputy Leader thanked the Leader of the Council, Councillor A Crimmings for her re-election, a role she was privileged to hold and she paid tribute to the outgoing Leader Councillor A Morgan OBE.
RESOLVED to note the Cabinet and their individual designations, as set out in the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation 3A (which was emailed to all Members during the course of the meeting): • County Borough Councillor A Crimmings, Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance • County Borough Councillor M Webber, BEM, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Business & Welsh Language • County Borough Councillor S Rees, Cabinet Member for Education & Young People • County Borough Councillor G Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care • County Borough Councillor M Norris, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Housing The following portfolios are through a job share arrangement: • County Borough Councillors L Addiscott/A. Morgan OBE-Cabinet Members for Environment & Capital Infrastructure • County Borough Councillors S Emanuel/B. Harris, Cabinet Members for Communities, Culture & Leisure • County Borough Councillors R Davis/C Leyshon - Cabinet Members for Resources, Customer & Energy The Deputy Leader thanked the Leader of the Council, Councillor A Crimmings for her re-election, a role she was privileged to hold and she paid tribute to the outgoing Leader Councillor A Morgan OBE.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. 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; 2. 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 3. That the allocation of Notices of Motion for the 2026-2027 Municipal 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, Welsh Language & Communications, advised Members that there has been no change to the Political Balance of the Authority for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year. He referred Members to section 4.2 which set out the change to the Leader of the RCT Independent Group as a member of the Green Party but confirmed that this had no implications on the name or membership of the RCT Independent Group for the purposes of the political balance of the Council. 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 to maintain consistency. In conclusion, the Service Director referred Members to Section 5 which sought 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: 1. 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; 2. 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 3. That the allocation of Notices of Motion for the 2026-2027 Municipal 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 2026-2027 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)
The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications presented his report which sought the appointment of the Council’s Committees for the 2026- 2027 Municipal Year. It was RESOLVED: To appoint the under-mentioned Committees for the 2026-2027 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)
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the following appointments to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair in-line with the requirements set out within this report are as follows: Planning and Development Committee: Chair – Councillor R. Williams Vice Chair - Councillor J. Smith Licensing Committee: Chair – Councillor A S Fox Vice Chair – Councillor G Stacey Appointments Committee: Chair – Councillor M Webber BEM Vice Chair – Councillor B Stephens Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee Chair – Councillor J Brencher Vice Chair – Councillor N Morgan Pension Fund Committee Chair – Councillor J Smith Vice Chair – Councillor T Leyshon 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 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 R Lewis 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 B Stephens 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 Annual Remuneration Report 2026-2027; and 9. To note the need to publish and submit the schedule of remuneration for 2026-2027 by 31 July 2026 to the newly formed Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru (the Commission).
In his report the Service Director, Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications sought consideration to the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs to the Council’s Committees for the Municipal Year 2026-2027 and it was RESOLVED that the following appointments to the roles of Chair and Vice-Chair in-line with the requirements set out within this report are as follows: Planning and Development Committee: Chair – Councillor R. Williams Vice Chair - Councillor J. Smith Licensing Committee: Chair – Councillor A S Fox Vice Chair – Councillor G Stacey Appointments Committee: Chair – Councillor M Webber BEM Vice Chair – Councillor B Stephens Appeals/Employee Appeals/Chief Officer Appeals Committee Chair – Councillor J Brencher Vice Chair – Councillor N Morgan Pension Fund Committee Chair – Councillor J Smith Vice Chair – Councillor T Leyshon 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 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 R Lewis 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 B Stephens 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 Annual Remuneration Report 2026-2027; and 9. To note the need to publish and submit the schedule of remuneration for 2026-2027 by 31 July 2026 to the newly formed Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru (the Commission).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1.To appoint the following Members to the Quasi-Judicial Bodies/Ad Hoc Committees for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year as follows: The Local Education Authority Governors (Appointments) Committee (5 Members). (4 Labour, 1 Plaid Cymru): County Borough Councillors S Rees, G Stacey, J Edwards, J Brencher 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, M Webber BEM, S Rees and G Caple
The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications presented his report in respect of appointing Members to the Quasi-Judicial Bodies/Ad Hoc Committees for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year. It was RESOLVED: 1.To appoint the following Members to the Quasi-Judicial Bodies/Ad Hoc Committees for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year as follows: The Local Education Authority Governors (Appointments) Committee (5 Members). (4 Labour, 1 Plaid Cymru): County Borough Councillors S Rees, G Stacey, J Edwards, J Brencher 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, M Webber BEM, S Rees and G Caple
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 R Davis. 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 G Jones, G Warren and M Maohoub. g) Tower Site Liaison Committee (3 representatives) - Councillors L Addiscott, S Emanuel and K Morgan. h) Welsh Local Government Association (5 representatives) -Councillors A Crimmings, M Webber BEM, S Rees, C Leyshon, M Norris. i) Welsh Local Government Association Executive Board (1 representative and 1 substitute) -Councillors A Crimmings and M Webber BEM. j) PATROL (Parking & Traffic Regulations Outside London) Adjudication Joint Committee (1 representative) - Councillor L Addiscott. k) Trivallis- (1 Member representative 3 year term)- Councillor C Middle. l) Business in Focus (1 representative 3 year term) – Councillor M Norris. m) Strategic Reference Group (Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board) – Councillor G Caple. n) Welsh Centre for International Affairs (1 Member representative for the remaining term 2025-2029)- Councillor S Emanuel. o) Welsh Books (1 Member representative for the remaining term 2024-2027) – Councillor S Rees. To appoint representatives to the following non-executive Joint Committees: a) Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (NPA) - Councillor A Rogers b) South Wales Police Crime Panel (2 representatives) – Councillors W Treeby and M Maohoub c) Cwm Taf Morgannwg Community Health Council (3 representatives) – Councillors M Ashford, J Bonetto and K Morgan d) Fire & Rescue Authorities (FRA’s) (1 representative (Executive Members)) – Councillor B Harris
The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications presented his report which sought representatives to the following Outside Bodies: It was 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 R Davis. 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 G Jones, G Warren and M Maohoub. g) Tower Site Liaison Committee (3 representatives) - Councillors L Addiscott, S Emanuel and K Morgan. h) Welsh Local Government Association (5 representatives) -Councillors A Crimmings, M Webber BEM, S Rees, C Leyshon, M Norris. i) Welsh Local Government Association Executive Board (1 representative and 1 substitute) -Councillors A Crimmings and M Webber BEM. j) PATROL (Parking & Traffic Regulations Outside London) Adjudication Joint Committee (1 representative) - Councillor L Addiscott. k) Trivallis- (1 Member representative 3 year term)- Councillor C Middle. l) Business in Focus (1 representative 3 year term) – Councillor M Norris. m) Strategic Reference Group (Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board) – Councillor G Caple. n) Welsh Centre for International Affairs (1 Member representative for the remaining term 2025-2029)- Councillor S Emanuel. o) Welsh Books (1 Member representative for the remaining term 2024-2027) – Councillor S Rees. To appoint representatives to the following non-executive Joint Committees: a) Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (NPA) - Councillor A Rogers b) South Wales Police Crime Panel (2 representatives) – Councillors W Treeby and M Maohoub c) Cwm Taf Morgannwg Community Health Council (3 representatives) – Councillors M Ashford, J Bonetto and K Morgan d) Fire & Rescue Authorities (FRA’s) (1 representative (Executive Members)) – Councillor B Harris
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that Council determines its nominations to the Corporate Joint Committee Sub-Committees for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year in-line with the requirements, 1. For the following sub committees: • Governance & Audit Sub-Committee – Councillor W Lewis • Regional Transport Sub-Committee – Councillor L Addiscott • 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 2026 - 2027 Municipal Year: • Councillors D R Bevan and C Preedy
The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications presented the report which sought Council’s nominations to the committees of the South-East Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year. Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED that Council determines its nominations to the Corporate Joint Committee Sub-Committees for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year in-line with the requirements, 1. For the following sub committees: • Governance & Audit Sub-Committee – Councillor W Lewis • Regional Transport Sub-Committee – Councillor L Addiscott • 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 2026 - 2027 Municipal Year: • Councillors D R Bevan and C Preedy
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To agree the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2026-2027, 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, Welsh Language & Communications sought the approval for the attached Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2026 – 2027 set out at Appendix 1. The Service Director added that it is the requirement of the Council Constitution for a Calendar of Meetings to be presented to the Council AGM with a substantive draft work programme being presented to the first Ordinary meeting of Council which is scheduled to take place in June. The Service Director referred to the statutory requirement in line with Section 6(2) of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 and more recently included in the 2021 Local Government & Elections Act (Wales) to survey Members in relation to the timings of meetings as set out in section 4 of the report and to survey Members in respect of the support that is provided by Democratic Services to support business planning, those responses are summarised at section of the report. He added that in addition to the statutory requirement, the feedback has once again reflected the support provided by Democratic Services which will be considered by the Democratic Services Committee at a future meeting. He thanked Members for the positive feedback received in this respect. The Service Director alluded to the element of flexibility which is required as the calendar is subject to change based on the demands of council business and to the need to provide opportunities for training and development. He also referred to the calendar incorporating the pre-election period in March 2027 with this being the last Municipal Year ahead of the Local Government Elections. It was RESOLVED: 1. To agree the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2026-2027, 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 2025-2026.
The Service Director, Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications presented his report which provided Council with the Annual Report of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. He added that the report was endorsed by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on the 22nd April 2026 with engagement from the Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs. Members received County Borough Councillor Julie Edwards, Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, who presented the Overview & Scrutiny annual report for the 2025/2026 Municipal Year. The Chair was pleased to announce that throughout this year, scrutiny has supported open, transparent and evidence?based decision?making including, thematic committee work, working groups and joint scrutiny. Scrutiny has considered a wide range of issues that matter locally which includes Housing, Education and Transport, Community Safety, Climate Change and tackling Child Poverty, as well as workforce pressures and the financial sustainability of the Council. The Chair referenced the examples of pre scrutiny that had been undertaken on a range of significant proposals, enabling challenge and influence before decisions were taken by Cabinet. In conclusion, the Chair referenced the three dedicated scrutiny working groups, which demonstrate the added value of deeper, cross?cutting review which included the Child Poverty Working Group, the Sustainable Communities for Learning Working Group and the Defibrillator Working Group which all demonstrated scrutiny at its best: evidence?led, Member?driven, and focused on improving outcomes for residents. Before thanking Officers, Members, Co-opted Members as well as volunteers and residents for their contributions to scrutiny, Councillor Edwards was pleased to endorse the 2025/2026 ScrutinyAnnual Report which demonstrates a scrutiny function that is well embedded, respected and increasingly influential and strengthens accountability & decision?making. Councillor Sera Evans also wished to comment on the Scrutiny Annual Report in her capacity as Chair of the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee by referring specifically to the work and outcomes of the two Working Groups, the Child Poverty Working Group, supported by the Health Determinants Research Collaboration and the Sustainable Communities for Learning Working Group. The Chair of the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee took the opportunity to thank Members, Co-opted members and Officers (including the Democratic Services team) for their valuable contributions and support to the Education & Inclusion Scrutiny Committee. She paid particular thanks to the Officers within the Education Service with whom she had worked closely as Chair for many years. The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language & Communications responded to a query regarding scrutiny demonstrating ‘effectiveness’ by highlighting the robust self-assessment arrangements reporting to the Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs meetings and to the positive comments on the Council’s scrutiny function received as a result of the Panel Performance Assessment demonstrating independent oversight. Following consideration of the report it was RESOLVED to note the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report for the Municipal Year 2025-2026.
The Presiding Officer took the opportunity to wish the three Elected Members standing in the forthcoming Senedd Election well, those being Councillor Sera Evans, Councillor D Grehan and Councillor M Maohoub. Members were advised that Council would receive the relevant reports to a subsequent meeting of the Council in the event of a Bi-Election being called. The Presiding Officer thanked Members for their attendance.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.