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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd October 2025 as an accurate record.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the information provided in the draft Education Strategic Plan for 2026-2030; 2. To the commencement of a non-statutory consultation in respect of the draft Education Strategic Plan for 2026-30; and 3. Subject to the conclusion of the consultation process, to receive a further report and an amended Education Strategic Plan for 2026-30 for consideration and approval.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.
RESOLVED: 1. To agree to reduce the quorum of the Joint Committee to 40%, with at least 3 regional areas represented; and • To authorise the entry into and signing of the Deed of Variation to enable this.
RESOLVED: 1. That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995 as amended, the amount calculated by the Council as its net tax base for the financial year 2026/27, shall be £80,551,88; and 2. That for each defined community area of the County Borough, the 2026/27 tax base for Council Tax setting purposes, shall be as set out at Appendix 1.
RESOLVED: Revenue 1. To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2025 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary). 2. To approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - e of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council's Financial Procedure Rules. Capital 3. To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2025 (Sections 3a – e of the Executive Summary). 4. To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 30th September 2025 (Section 3f of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives 5. To note the Quarter 2 progress updates against the well-being objectives set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan ‘Working With Our Communities 2024 – 2030’ (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives 6. To note the Quarter 2 progress updates against the well-being objectives set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan ‘Working With Our Communities 2024 – 2030’ (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary).
RESOLVED: 1. To note the progress made to date on the key actions and the benefits realised in relation to the delivery of the Council’s Digital Strategy; and 2. To note the requirement for a refreshed Digital Strategy, the approach and timeline for its development and agree to receive a future report that outlines the Council’s strategic digital direction for 2026 onward.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the comments and feedback of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2024/25 at its meeting held on 29th September 2025; and 2. To approve the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2024/25.
RESOLVED: 1. To note and endorse the content of the 2024/25 annual Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board report.
RESOLVED: 1. To note and agree the content of the Social Services Representations, Compliments and Complaints Procedures Annual Report 2024/25 and the Customer Feedback Scheme (CFS) Annual Report 2024/25, alongside the work undertaken by the Customer Feedback, Engagement and Complaints Team; and 2. To note that the Social Services Representations, Compliments and Complaints Procedures Annual Report 2024/25 has been subject to scrutiny by the Community Services Scrutiny Committee and, this report and the CFS Annual Report 2024/25, have been reviewed by the Governance and Audit Committee.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider and note the 2024-2025 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales’ Annual Report and Annual Letter to the Council.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the contents of the monitoring update; and 2. That regarding the Council’s Workforce Plan and Human Resources Strategy: · To provide feedback on any required priorities that need to be included. · To approve the proposed addition of service change and digital transformation goals.
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the CIL Annual Monitoring Report; • To approve the Regulation 123 List for publication on the Council website for a period of 28 days and consultation as set out in paragraph 5.9 of the report; • To approve the subsequent adoption of the Regulation 123 List if no adverse comments are received; and • To note the comments and feedback from Members of the Climate Change Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee in the Pre Scrutiny Feedback Report.
RESOLVED: “That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”.
The Cabinet Member for Resources, County Borough Councillor R Davis, declared the following personal interest in respect of item 9 of the agenda (Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board Annual Report) – “My husband works for Spectacle Theatre, which is referenced within the report”.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd October 2025 as an accurate record.
The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd October 2025 as an accurate record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the information provided in the draft Education Strategic Plan for 2026-2030; 2. To the commencement of a non-statutory consultation in respect of the draft Education Strategic Plan for 2026-30; and 3. Subject to the conclusion of the consultation process, to receive a further report and an amended Education Strategic Plan for 2026-30 for consideration and approval.
N.B - With the agreement of the Chair, this item of business was brought forward to accommodate the Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language. The Service Director of 21st Century Schools and Transformation updated Cabinet on the Education Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 and sought approval to commence a non-statutory consultation in respect of the matter. The Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language took the opportunity to thank officers for producing and presenting the detailed Education Strategic Plan, which he believed clearly highlighted the Council’s ambitions. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the ever-changing environment within the education sector and the increase in statutory responsibilities placed upon the Council. Furthermore, the Cabinet Member noted the increased demand across the board, particularly within ALN education. The Cabinet Member endorsed the report and was content that the principles outlined within the Plan would build upon the foundations set out in the previous successful Plan, in terms of excellent governance arrangements and leadership. Furthermore, the Member was assured by the comments and feedback received from Estyn following recent inspections. The Deputy Leader seconded the recommendations contained within the report and emphasised the importance of young learners receiving the best educational opportunities within excellent learning environments. The Deputy Leader was of the view that the priorities outlined within the Plan would address this. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the information provided in the draft Education Strategic Plan for 2026-2030; 2. To the commencement of a non-statutory consultation in respect of the draft Education Strategic Plan for 2026-30; and 3. Subject to the conclusion of the consultation process, to receive a further report and an amended Education Strategic Plan for 2026-30 for consideration and approval.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.
The Service Director of Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communication provided Cabinet with the feedback and comments of the items that were pre-scrutinised by the Council’s thematic Scrutiny Committee’s following its last Committee cycle. The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to thank the Scrutiny Committee for their valuable contribution in relation to the relevant items of business on the Cabinet agenda. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the comments and observations of the Scrutiny Committees following pre-scrutiny of the items listed within section 5 of the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To agree to reduce the quorum of the Joint Committee to 40%, with at least 3 regional areas represented; and • To authorise the entry into and signing of the Deed of Variation to enable this.
The Service Director of Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communication to obtain agreement to a ‘Deed of Variation’ to amend the quoracy required for the National Joint Committee meetings. It was explained that the current quorum of 60% had been a challenge since the inception of the Joint Committee and as such, all participating Local Authorities were asked to agree to the reduction of the quoracy to 40% with at least 3 individual Local Authorities being represented at any meeting. Upon conclusion, the Service Director wished to place on record that RCT had achieved 100% attendance at the meetings. The Deputy Leader acknowledged the good work of the National Joint Committee and the importance of it being able to carry out its decisions in a timely manner. As such, the Deputy was supportive of reducing the quorum of the Joint Committee to 40%. The Cabinet Member for Social Care (Children Services) spoke of her first-hand experience as a substitute Member of the Committee, where she had witnessed the struggles to achieve quoracy. The Cabinet Member echoed the comments made about the importance of the Committee and was happy to support the recommendations contained within the report. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To agree to reduce the quorum of the Joint Committee to 40%, with at least 3 regional areas represented; and • To authorise the entry into and signing of the Deed of Variation to enable this.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995 as amended, the amount calculated by the Council as its net tax base for the financial year 2026/27, shall be £80,551,88; and 2. That for each defined community area of the County Borough, the 2026/27 tax base for Council Tax setting purposes, shall be as set out at Appendix 1.
The Head of Revenue and Benefits presented the report to Cabinet, which formally set the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2026/27. It was proposed that the collection rate is estimated to be 97.25%, which produces a net Council Tax Base of £80,551.88. It was explained that for every £1 levied in Council Tax next year, a sum of £80,552 would be generated to meet the budget requirement of the Council. The Cabinet Member for Resources (Corporate Resources and Service Improvement) took the opportunity to thank the officer for the report and acknowledged that this was a statutory duty, which would aid the Council in setting a balanced budget for the upcoming year. The Cabinet Member was content to move the recommendations contained within the report. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995 as amended, the amount calculated by the Council as its net tax base for the financial year 2026/27, shall be £80,551,88; and 2. That for each defined community area of the County Borough, the 2026/27 tax base for Council Tax setting purposes, shall be as set out at Appendix 1.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: Revenue 1. To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2025 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary). 2. To approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - e of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council's Financial Procedure Rules. Capital 3. To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2025 (Sections 3a – e of the Executive Summary). 4. To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 30th September 2025 (Section 3f of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives 5. To note the Quarter 2 progress updates against the well-being objectives set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan ‘Working With Our Communities 2024 – 2030’ (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives 6. To note the Quarter 2 progress updates against the well-being objectives set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan ‘Working With Our Communities 2024 – 2030’ (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary).
The Director of Financial Services and Transformation provided Cabinet Members with an overview of the Council’s performance, both from a financial and operational perspective, based on the first six months of this financial year (to the 30th September 2025). The Cabinet Member for Resources (Corporate Resources and Service Improvement) thanked the Director for the comprehensive report, which she felt demonstrated the huge amount of work undertaken across the whole of the Council. The Cabinet Member emphasised the positive impacts made by such work to the communities across Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the continuous budgetary challenges faced by the Local Authority, in particular from the growing pressures within social services but was pleased to note improvements within the quarter, for example, staff turnover and sickness levels. The Cabinet Member also spoke of the Council’s Capital Programme of works, which she felt was one to be proud of. The Deputy Leader echoed the Cabinet Member’s comments in respect of the Capital Programme, which she felt the Council should be commended for. The Leader took the opportunity to inform the Cabinet that despite the growing demands on social services, RCT was in a relatively good position in terms of its spend, in comparison to other Local Authorities and the Leader thanked the team for their work. The Cabinet RESOLVED: Revenue 1. To note and agree the General Fund revenue outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2025 (Section 2 of the Executive Summary). 2. To approve the virements listed in Sections 2a - e of the Executive Summary that exceed the £0.100M threshold as per the Council's Financial Procedure Rules. Capital 3. To note the capital outturn position of the Council as at the 30th September 2025 (Sections 3a – e of the Executive Summary). 4. To note the details of the Treasury Management Prudential Indicators as at the 30th September 2025 (Section 3f of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives 5. To note the Quarter 2 progress updates against the well-being objectives set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan ‘Working With Our Communities 2024 – 2030’ (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary). Corporate Plan Well-Being Objectives 6. To note the Quarter 2 progress updates against the well-being objectives set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan ‘Working With Our Communities 2024 – 2030’ (Sections 5 a – d of the Executive Summary).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the progress made to date on the key actions and the benefits realised in relation to the delivery of the Council’s Digital Strategy; and 2. To note the requirement for a refreshed Digital Strategy, the approach and timeline for its development and agree to receive a future report that outlines the Council’s strategic digital direction for 2026 onward.
The Service Director of ICT and Digital Services provided Cabinet with an update on the progress, achievements and benefits to date in relation to the delivery of the Council’s Digital Strategy 2022-2026. The Leader thanked the Service Director for the update and was pleased to note the significant progress made within the Council over the past decade. The Leader acknowledged that digitalisation would always be ongoing and that the work could be further built upon. The Cabinet Member for Resources (Customer, Digital and Estates) noted significant areas of digital progress within the Local Authority such as the Data Dashboard and the Internet of Things (IOT). The Cabinet Member echoed the Leader’s comments and stated that the Council would continue to assess and improve digitalisation across the Local Authority going forward. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the progress made to date on the key actions and the benefits realised in relation to the delivery of the Council’s Digital Strategy; and 2. To note the requirement for a refreshed Digital Strategy, the approach and timeline for its development and agree to receive a future report that outlines the Council’s strategic digital direction for 2026 onward.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the comments and feedback of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2024/25 at its meeting held on 29th September 2025; and 2. To approve the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2024/25.
The Director of Social Services presented to Cabinet his Annual Report for 2024/25. The Cabinet Member for Social Care (Adult Services) took the opportunity to thank the Director for the annual report, which he felt highlighted the tremendous breadth of work undertaken by social services, together with the dedication and commitment of all staff. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the feedback and comments of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which were presented at appendix 2 to the report. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the increased demands on staff, at a time of budgetary pressures and was proud to note that the service had continued to provide support to the most vulnerable in society, as efficiently and effectively as possible. The Cabinet Member stated that, in recent years, services had been improved through improved commissioning and workforce planning and a huge amount of investment into both adult and children’s services. The Cabinet Member advised that the Council would continue to work with its partners on issues such as the acceleration of the integration of health and social care. It was noted that recruitment and retention remained a key issue within social services and the Cabinet Member stressed the importance of the need for the UK and Welsh Government to act and create a national health and social care policy and pay framework with a sustainable funding model to address this. The Deputy Leader was in agreement that the report demonstrated that the Council listens to and acts upon its feedback, which was highlighted through case studies and through conversations with residents. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the comments and feedback of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2024/25 at its meeting held on 29th September 2025; and 2. To approve the Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2024/25.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note and endorse the content of the 2024/25 annual Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board report.
The Director of Social Services presented Cabinet with the 2024/25 annual Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board report. The Cabinet Member for Social Care (Adult Services) thanked the Director for the comprehensive statutory annual report, which he stated was a sobering read. The Cabinet Member spoke of the importance of preventing people of all ages from harm and abuse and emphasised the greater need to focus on improving public protection through a multi-agency partnership approach, such as MASH. The Cabinet Member spoke of tragic cases, which had occurred, both within the Local Authority and elsewhere, which had led to recommendations being accepted following a Child Practice Review and lessons learned. The Cabinet Member stated that the report was vital to providing Local Authorities with a better understanding the challenges that face society and to allow them to prioritise measures to protect the vulnerable in the communities. As such, the Cabinet Member was supportive of the recommendation contained within the report. The Deputy Leader was assured by the Director and by the content of the report in terms of the Council’s obligations and priorities and seconded the recommendation contained within the report. The Leader stressed the importance of learning from such tragic events and any missed opportunities which may have occurred in terms of individual cases. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note and endorse the content of the 2024/25 annual Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note and agree the content of the Social Services Representations, Compliments and Complaints Procedures Annual Report 2024/25 and the Customer Feedback Scheme (CFS) Annual Report 2024/25, alongside the work undertaken by the Customer Feedback, Engagement and Complaints Team; and 2. To note that the Social Services Representations, Compliments and Complaints Procedures Annual Report 2024/25 has been subject to scrutiny by the Community Services Scrutiny Committee and, this report and the CFS Annual Report 2024/25, have been reviewed by the Governance and Audit Committee.
The Customer Feedback, Engagement and Complaints Manager provided the Cabinet with an overview of the operation and effectiveness of the Council’s Statutory Social Services Representations, Compliments and Complaints Procedure and the Customer Feedback Scheme between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025. Members were complimentary about the Council’s complaints procedure and took the opportunity to thank the small team for the significant amount of work undertaken in the background. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources (Customer, Digital and Estates) commended officers for the number of complaints dealt with at Stage 1 and was pleased to note the number of compliments received within the reporting period. In relation to the Social Services Representations report, the Cabinet Member for Social Care (Adult Services) acknowledged that both complaints and compliments were valuable for the Council to drive services forward and evolve following lessons learned. The Cabinet Member was also pleased to note the compliments contained within the report, which he felt highlighted the commitment of staff during challenging times. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note and agree the content of the Social Services Representations, Compliments and Complaints Procedures Annual Report 2024/25 and the Customer Feedback Scheme (CFS) Annual Report 2024/25, alongside the work undertaken by the Customer Feedback, Engagement and Complaints Team; and 2. To note that the Social Services Representations, Compliments and Complaints Procedures Annual Report 2024/25 has been subject to scrutiny by the Community Services Scrutiny Committee and, this report and the CFS Annual Report 2024/25, have been reviewed by the Governance and Audit Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider and note the 2024-2025 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales’ Annual Report and Annual Letter to the Council.
The Director of Legal and Democratic Services provided Cabinet with an update on the publication of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales’ (‘PSOW’) Annual Report and Annual Letter to the Council for 2024-2025. The Leader commented that the Council was in a relatively positive position given its population size as detailed within the report and stated that there would always be instances, whereby residents are not content with the outcome of their complaint and may wish to escalate it further. The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to thank the Governance and Audit Committee for their consideration of the report. The Deputy accepted the Council’s position in terms of complaints made to the PSOW during 2024-2025. However, in terms of complaints relating to Elected Members, the Deputy felt that such matters should be dealt with by the PSOW in a more timely manner. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider and note the 2024-2025 Public Services Ombudsman for Wales’ Annual Report and Annual Letter to the Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the contents of the monitoring update; and 2. That regarding the Council’s Workforce Plan and Human Resources Strategy: · To provide feedback on any required priorities that need to be included. · To approve the proposed addition of service change and digital transformation goals.
The Workforce Development Officer provided Cabinet with updates in respect of the Human Resources (HR) Strategy (2023-28) and Council Workforce Plan (2023-28) and sought to highlight the addition of two new objectives relating to service change and digital transformation and the amendment of other goals to reflect current provision. The Deputy Leader thanked the officer for the comprehensive report. The Deputy acknowledged that there remained challenges with recruitment and retention and a skills gap within specialist roles. However, the Deputy spoke positive of the Council’s graduate and apprenticeship programmes, which successfully enabled the Council to recruit for such roles. The Deputy Leader continued and emphasised the importance of reviewing employment conditions and hybrid working arrangements. Overall, the Deputy was pleased to note the progress towards the Council’s Workforce Plan and noted that all actions for the year had been completed. She spoke positive of the Council’s successful employability programmes such as Care2Work, Step in the Right Direction, Gateway to Employment and the Green Light project and commented on the benefits of the SPF, which had helped the Council reach individuals who may face barriers to employment. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the contents of the monitoring update; and 2. That regarding the Council’s Workforce Plan and Human Resources Strategy: · To provide feedback on any required priorities that need to be included. · To approve the proposed addition of service change and digital transformation goals.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the CIL Annual Monitoring Report; • To approve the Regulation 123 List for publication on the Council website for a period of 28 days and consultation as set out in paragraph 5.9 of the report; • To approve the subsequent adoption of the Regulation 123 List if no adverse comments are received; and • To note the comments and feedback from Members of the Climate Change Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee in the Pre Scrutiny Feedback Report.
The Head of Planning presented the report, which sought Cabinet’s approval in respect of the contents of the CIL Annual Monitoring Report and the proposed changes to the Regulation 123 List. The officer informed Cabinet that the Climate Change, Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee had undertaken pre-scrutiny of the report at its meeting on 5th November 2025 and referred Members to the feedback letter, which was attached as appendix D to the report. The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing was content with the CIL Annual Monitoring Report and the proposed changes to the Regulation 123 List. The Cabinet Member took the opportunity to thank the Scrutiny Committee for their comments and suggested that a learning and development session be held for all Elected Members in respect of the way in which CIL is gathered and utilised. The Deputy Leader queried whether the report would be presented to a future meeting of the Community Liaison Committee for Community Councils to consider their element of the funding, and whether Community Councils would be asked to present their own Regulation 123 lists. Officers assured Members that the report would be presented to the next meeting of the Community Liaison Committee and that there was ongoing dialogue with the Community Council Clerks regarding individual Regulation 123 lists. This would fall under the new governance arrangements following the Council’s consultation on its community charter, subject to the agreement of Members at a later date. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To approve the CIL Annual Monitoring Report; • To approve the Regulation 123 List for publication on the Council website for a period of 28 days and consultation as set out in paragraph 5.9 of the report; • To approve the subsequent adoption of the Regulation 123 List if no adverse comments are received; and • To note the comments and feedback from Members of the Climate Change Frontline Services and Prosperity Scrutiny Committee in the Pre Scrutiny Feedback Report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: “That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”.
It was RESOLVED: “That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of the exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part 4 of the Schedule 12A of the Act”.
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