Loading
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 24th November 2025 as an accurate record.
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 approve the Work Programme for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year (with appropriate amendment where necessary) and receive a further update on a 3 monthly basis
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the contents of the Working Group report, attached at Appendix A to the report, following a review of the feasibility of having publicly accessible defibrillators in all RCT schools; and 2. To agree the recommendations, which have been endorsed by the Committee.
RESOLVED: 1. To note the Provisional 2026/27 Local Government Settlement, announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government on the 24th November 2025; 2. To note that the Final 2026/27 Local Government Settlement is expected on the 20th January 2026; and 3. To note the approach to budget consultation for 2026/27 as already determined.
RESOLVED: 1. To implement the temporary governing body’s recommended name for the new ALN school, Ysgol Cambrian, which is scheduled to open in September 2026; and 2. To implement the temporary governing body’s recommended name for the new school in Glyn-coch – Ysgol Gynradd Glyn-coch, which is scheduled to open in September 2026. Note: At this stage in proceedings, Cabinet Members took the opportunity to express their gratitude and well wishes to the Director of Education and Inclusion Services on her forthcoming retirement.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider: · The information in this report and the proposed model of support for unpaid carers; · The content and outcome of the targeted consultation included as Appendix 1 to the report; · The updated Equality Impact Assessment (including Socio-Economic Duty) included as Appendix 2 to the report; · The updated Welsh Language Impact Assessment included as Appendix 3 to the report; · The comments and observations of the Community Services Committee following their meeting on the 3rd November where the Committee undertook pre-scrutiny of the consultation outcome. Included as Appendix 4 to the report; and 2. To implement the proposed new model of support for unpaid carers as set out in section 5 of this report.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the feedback and comments of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the Youth Justice Service report at its meeting on 8th December 2025; 2. To note and endorse the progress made by Cwm Taf YJS during the past 12 months to deliver the recommended improvement areas; and 3. To consider the information relating to the service developments, resource challenges and risks contained in the report.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider and note the comments and feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the report at the meeting held on 19th November 2025; 2. To note the findings from the RCT Housing Allocation Scheme 6 week public consultation; and 3. To agree to the proposed amendments to the RCT Housing Allocation Scheme.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the allocation of funds provided by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund and the opportunities it presents; and 2. To endorse the proposed delivery of the Pride in Place Impact Fund in Rhondda Cynon Taf as set out in section 6 of the report.
RESOLVED: 1. That consideration is given to the ten-year investment opportunity provided by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme and the requirement to select a specific neighbourhood to act as the focus for investment; and 2. That the Council endorses the recommended neighbourhood outlined in section 8 of this report which aligns with the programme’s objectives and methodology for place selection as prescribed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
In accordance with the Code of Conduct, the following personal declarations were made in respect of item 8 of the agenda (21st Century Schools Programme - Naming of New Schools): - The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language - “I am a temporary governor at the new ALN school in Clydach Vale”; and - The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing – “I am a temporary governor at the new ALN school in Clydach Vale”.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 24th November 2025 as an accurate record.
The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 24th November 2025 as an accurate record.
The Cabinet noted the changes to the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation, namely updates to the Senior Leadership Team and the Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Cabinet Sub-Committee.
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 Committees for their valuable contribution in relation to the relevant items of business. 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 approve the Work Programme for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year (with appropriate amendment where necessary) and receive a further update on a 3 monthly basis
The Service Director of Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communication presented, for Cabinet Members’ comment and approval, a quarterly update of the Cabinet Work Programme on the proposed list of matters requiring consideration by Cabinet over the 2025-2026 Municipal Year. The Service Director emphasised the importance of the Cabinet Work Programme in guiding the work of the Council’s Scrutiny Committees and providing awareness to the public in terms of the key decisions to be taken forward. The Deputy Leader welcomed the update and noted the flexibility of the Work Programme, which could be amended according to business needs throughout the year. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To approve the Work Programme for the 2025-2026 Municipal Year (with appropriate amendment where necessary) and receive a further update on a 3 monthly basis
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the contents of the Working Group report, attached at Appendix A to the report, following a review of the feasibility of having publicly accessible defibrillators in all RCT schools; and 2. To agree the recommendations, which have been endorsed by the Committee.
The Service Director of Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communication presented Cabinet with the findings and recommendations of the Scrutiny Working Group, which was established to examine the feasibility of having publicly accessible defibrillators in all RCT schools, following a referral of a Notice of Motion from Council on the 27th November 2024. The Service Director advised Members that the Chair of the Committee had hoped to attend the Cabinet meeting to present the recommendations but had to attend a personal medical appointment. The Leader thanked the Service Director for the report and fully endorsed the recommendations of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, appreciating that it would be a phased approach and that there would be cost implications. The Leader noted that defibrillators are available at public libraries and sport centres but agreed that having them at schools, within the heart of communities, was the right way forward. The Deputy Leader thanked the Scrutiny Committee for the comprehensive piece of work, which she felt passionately about. The Deputy spoke of the importance of identifying through communities, where the defibrillators are best placed and ensuring that the placement of defibrillators in schools is safe for community use and in the best interest of staff and pupils. The Deputy Leader wished to place on record her thanks to Welsh Hearts and David Healy, who she described as an inspiration and commented that publicly accessible defibrillators are vital and necessary within local communities. The Deputy added that defibrillator training should be offered to Elected Members giving its importance. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language also expressed his thanks to the Scrutiny Committee for the vital piece of work. The Cabinet Member was also supportive of enhancing and mapping out the publicly accessible defibrillators, whilst involving schools in the local communities and advised that he would provide a formal response to the Scrutiny Committee in respect of the recommendations. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the contents of the Working Group report, attached at Appendix A to the report, following a review of the feasibility of having publicly accessible defibrillators in all RCT schools; and 2. To agree the recommendations, which have been endorsed by the Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note the Provisional 2026/27 Local Government Settlement, announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government on the 24th November 2025; 2. To note that the Final 2026/27 Local Government Settlement is expected on the 20th January 2026; and 3. To note the approach to budget consultation for 2026/27 as already determined.
The Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Corporate Resources provided Cabinet Members with information in respect of the 2026/27 Provisional Local Government Settlement, and initial comments on its likely implications for the delivery of Council services. The Cabinet Member for Resources (Corporate Resources and Service Improvement) noted that the provisional Local Government Settlement was better than anticipated but that challenges remained. The Leader echoed the comments and spoke of the continued cost pressures across Local Government such as inflation, pay pressures and service demands but agreed that the provisional figure was an improvement. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note the Provisional 2026/27 Local Government Settlement, announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government on the 24th November 2025; 2. To note that the Final 2026/27 Local Government Settlement is expected on the 20th January 2026; and 3. To note the approach to budget consultation for 2026/27 as already determined.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To implement the temporary governing body’s recommended name for the new ALN school, Ysgol Cambrian, which is scheduled to open in September 2026; and 2. To implement the temporary governing body’s recommended name for the new school in Glyn-coch – Ysgol Gynradd Glyn-coch, which is scheduled to open in September 2026. Note: At this stage in proceedings, Cabinet Members took the opportunity to express their gratitude and well wishes to the Director of Education and Inclusion Services on her forthcoming retirement.
The Director of Education and Inclusion Services presented the report, which asked Cabinet to consider the recommendations made by the temporary governing bodies of the new ALN School in Clydach Vale, and the new primary school in Glyn-coch, in relation to the naming of the two schools. Both recommendations had been reached following the completion of the required consultation processes as outlined in the Council’s policy for the setting and changing of school names. The Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language thanked all those who contributed to the consultation process, and particularly the pupils at the respective schools. The Cabinet Member was supportive of the recommendations contained within the report, which had been subject to the necessary consultation process and protocol. The Deputy Leader celebrated the establishment of another two new schools within the County Borough and was happy to second the recommendations contained within the report. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To implement the temporary governing body’s recommended name for the new ALN school, Ysgol Cambrian, which is scheduled to open in September 2026; and 2. To implement the temporary governing body’s recommended name for the new school in Glyn-coch – Ysgol Gynradd Glyn-coch, which is scheduled to open in September 2026. Note: At this stage in proceedings, Cabinet Members took the opportunity to express their gratitude and well wishes to the Director of Education and Inclusion Services on her forthcoming retirement.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider: · The information in this report and the proposed model of support for unpaid carers; · The content and outcome of the targeted consultation included as Appendix 1 to the report; · The updated Equality Impact Assessment (including Socio-Economic Duty) included as Appendix 2 to the report; · The updated Welsh Language Impact Assessment included as Appendix 3 to the report; · The comments and observations of the Community Services Committee following their meeting on the 3rd November where the Committee undertook pre-scrutiny of the consultation outcome. Included as Appendix 4 to the report; and 2. To implement the proposed new model of support for unpaid carers as set out in section 5 of this report.
The Head of Safeguarding Care and Support provided Cabinet with the outcome of the targeted consultation with stakeholders on the proposed new model of support for unpaid carers. The Cabinet Member for Social Care (Adult Services) was delighted that the Council were considering a new model of support for unpaid carers, commenting that unpaid carers were often unrecognised for their personal sacrifices to support family and friends through physical or mental health conditions, illness, age or disabilities. The Cabinet Member stated that there was an estimated 310K people providing unpaid carers in Wales, with around 25K in RCT alone, all of whom were saving the NHS billions each year. The Cabinet Member spoke highly of the proposed model, which would seek to improve equality of opportunity and support socio-economic wellbeing for unpaid carers and the wider community. The Cabinet Member spoke of the response to the public consultation, which had been overwhelmingly positive and extended his thanks to the consultees and to the Community Services Scrutiny Committee for their feedback. The Deputy Leader was in support of the proposed model and hoped that it would further reach the unpaid carers, who provide such valuable support to the most vulnerable in the communities. The Deputy spoke of the need for support, encouragement and community interaction for unpaid carers and acknowledged their challenges and loneliness. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider: · The information in this report and the proposed model of support for unpaid carers; · The content and outcome of the targeted consultation included as Appendix 1 to the report; · The updated Equality Impact Assessment (including Socio-Economic Duty) included as Appendix 2 to the report; · The updated Welsh Language Impact Assessment included as Appendix 3 to the report; · The comments and observations of the Community Services Committee following their meeting on the 3rd November where the Committee undertook pre-scrutiny of the consultation outcome. Included as Appendix 4 to the report; and 2. To implement the proposed new model of support for unpaid carers as set out in section 5 of this report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the feedback and comments of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the Youth Justice Service report at its meeting on 8th December 2025; 2. To note and endorse the progress made by Cwm Taf YJS during the past 12 months to deliver the recommended improvement areas; and 3. To consider the information relating to the service developments, resource challenges and risks contained in the report.
The Head of Cwm Taf Youth Justice Service provided the Cabinet with an update on the work and progress made to implement the recommendations from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) Inspection of the Cwm Taf Youth Justice Service (YJS) during April and May 2024 along with updates on service developments, resource challenges and risks impacting upon current and future service delivery. The Cabinet Member for Social Care (Children’s Services) thanked the officer for the comprehensive report and was pleased to note that nine recommendations had been reviewed and positively actioned at both a strategic and operational level. The Cabinet Member was particularly pleased to witness the implementation of recommendation seven at a recent meeting of the Management Board, whereby the education and inclusion service delivered their data. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the challenges faced by the service, particularly at a time of financial uncertainty and agreed that early intervention was key to the success of young people accessing the service. The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to thank the Community Services Scrutiny Committee for the valuable feedback and contribution. Both the Leader and Deputy Leader spoke of the huge amount of valuable work undertaken by the service and agreed that it would be beneficial for all Elected Members to receive an overview in the future. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the feedback and comments of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the Youth Justice Service report at its meeting on 8th December 2025; 2. To note and endorse the progress made by Cwm Taf YJS during the past 12 months to deliver the recommended improvement areas; and 3. To consider the information relating to the service developments, resource challenges and risks contained in the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider and note the comments and feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the report at the meeting held on 19th November 2025; 2. To note the findings from the RCT Housing Allocation Scheme 6 week public consultation; and 3. To agree to the proposed amendments to the RCT Housing Allocation Scheme.
The Head of Housing Strategy and Investment highlighted the findings from the RCT Housing Allocation Scheme public consultation and sought Cabinet approval of the proposed changes to the Housing Allocation Scheme. The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing took the opportunity to thank the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their feedback in relation to the Scheme, and the officers for their work during the consultation process. The Cabinet Member was pleased to note that the three recommendations were highly supported during the consultation. With regard to the removal of Band D, the Cabinet Member agreed that it was right to wait for the outcome of Welsh Government’s review as part of its White Paper on Ending Homelessness in Wales, before considering further recommendations on the matter. The Deputy Leader also took the opportunity to thank the Overview and Scrutiny for undertaking pre-scrutiny in respect of the Housing Allocation Scheme and the proposed policy changes. The Deputy emphasised their important role in the decision-making process. Referring to the consultation outcomes, the Deputy was pleased to note that a high number of correspondents agreed with the recommendations and added that she trusted the advice given by the barrister in respect of compliance with the legislation and relevant case law. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider and note the comments and feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which undertook pre-scrutiny of the report at the meeting held on 19th November 2025; 2. To note the findings from the RCT Housing Allocation Scheme 6 week public consultation; and 3. To agree to the proposed amendments to the RCT Housing Allocation Scheme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the allocation of funds provided by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund and the opportunities it presents; and 2. To endorse the proposed delivery of the Pride in Place Impact Fund in Rhondda Cynon Taf as set out in section 6 of the report.
The Service Director of Housing and Regeneration Services provided Cabinet with an update on the recently announced UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund and the allocation of funds to Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing welcomed the report and agreed that it would make sense to focus on the eight key town centres in Rhondda Cynon Taf and build upon the work already being done. The Leader welcomed the fund to invest in communities and commented that there would be a small amount of funding available to support the third sector. The Deputy Leader also spoke positive of the allocation for town centres and businesses, which she noted had faced difficulties in the past with the impact of flooding and consumers changing the way in which they shop. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the allocation of funds provided by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund and the opportunities it presents; and 2. To endorse the proposed delivery of the Pride in Place Impact Fund in Rhondda Cynon Taf as set out in section 6 of the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. That consideration is given to the ten-year investment opportunity provided by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme and the requirement to select a specific neighbourhood to act as the focus for investment; and 2. That the Council endorses the recommended neighbourhood outlined in section 8 of this report which aligns with the programme’s objectives and methodology for place selection as prescribed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
The Service Director of Housing and Regeneration Services provided Cabinet with an update on the recently announced UK Government’s Pride in Place Strategy, focussing on the Pride in Place Programme and the allocation of funds to Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Service Director sought endorsement of the recommended neighbourhood that would serve as the focus for Pride in Place Programme investment over the ten-year funding period. The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing was fully supportive of the selection of Rhondda Fach for the Pride in Place Programme investment and noted that the neighbourhoods outlined within section 8 of the report met the criteria and were Lower Layer Super Output Areas. The Cabinet Member commented that it was a positive example of UK Government, Welsh Government and Local Authorities working together to deliver tangible outcomes for communities. The Leader welcomed the report and advised of just some of the investment opportunities which could be taken into consideration by the panel, such as better skills training, supporting individuals into work, enhancing public transport, energy efficiency, fuel poverty support or the improvement of sport facilities for long term health benefits. With the agreement of the Leader, the following Elected Members were granted permission to address the Cabinet in respect of this matter: - County Borough Councillor J Edwards; and - County Borough Councillor J Smith. The Deputy Leader spoke of the previous Communities First programme, which considered the Lower Layer Super Output Areas and Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation as the criteria for allocating funds to communities and stated that the areas highlighted within the report evidenced the greatest need for such opportunities. The Deputy emphasised that Pride in Place was about improvement, identity and providing empowerment to people in the local communities. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. That consideration is given to the ten-year investment opportunity provided by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme and the requirement to select a specific neighbourhood to act as the focus for investment; and 2. That the Council endorses the recommended neighbourhood outlined in section 8 of this report which aligns with the programme’s objectives and methodology for place selection as prescribed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
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.