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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 Cabinet meeting held on 15th December 2025 as an accurate record.
RESOLVED to note the updates to the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation.
RESOLVED: 1. To acquire the Freehold interest in the properties known as 1-16 Clydach Terrace (Excluding 6a and 6b) Ynysybwl, (“the Properties”) shown edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 for an aggregate consideration in the order of £2,570,000 including incidental costs, relocation assistance and agreed legal fees; 2. To authorise the Group Director for Corporate Resources to finalise negotiations and conclude the necessary legal processes in relation to the acquisition of the Properties; and 3. To authorise officers to develop and deliver the site remediation including demolition and making good of the residual area with public realm as appropriate.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the contents of the Child Poverty Working Group report; and 2. To review the 18 recommendations contained within the report, which have been endorsed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 7th January 2026. Note: As the Leader was not present for the entirety of the discussions, he did not vote on this item.
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the proposed revisions to Council fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year and specific proposals in respect of Leisure for Life Membership prices for the 2027/28 financial year, all proposals being rounded, where appropriate and permissible, to support customer convenience; 2. For the fees and charges proposals (as set out at paragraphs 5.3.1 to 5.3.25 of the report) to be consulted on through phase 2 of the Council’s 2026/27 Budget Consultation process and reported back to Cabinet for consideration as part of formulating a recommended Budget Strategy for 2026/27; 3. To note the fees and charges decisions previously approved and to be included in the 2026/27 proposed Budget Strategy (paragraph 5.6 / Table 3 of the report); 4. To note that proposed revisions to fees and charges that relate to the bereavement services provided by Llwydcoed Crematorium will be reported to the Llwydcoed Crematorium Joint Committee for consideration, the timing of which will be aligned to the Council’s phase 2 budget consultation process; and 5. To consider the proposed revisions to the car parking fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year submitted by Non Majority Group Members (County Borough Councillors C Lisles and K Johnson) and that these be consulted on during the phase 2 Council’s 2026/27 Budget Consultation process and reported back to Cabinet for consideration.
RESOLVED: 1. To note that the procedures relating to revenue budget construction, the budget consultation process, and reporting to Council, are set out in the “Budget and Policy Framework” within the Council’s Constitution; 2. To note and consider the outcomes of the budget consultation phase 1 process; 3. To review and consider the draft 2026/27 Revenue Budget Strategy, detailed in ‘Appendix A’ to the report; 4. To consider and determine the level of Council Tax increase for 2026/27 which it would wish to build into the strategy to form the basis upon which a second phase of consultation will take place; 5. To the draft timetable for setting the 2026/27 revenue budget as set out at Appendix A2 of the report; 6. To receive feedback from the second phase of budget consultation in order to consider and determine the final budget strategy for submission to Council; 7. That the Council continues to support the medium term financial strategy aimed at maximising ongoing efficiency in service delivery, targeted service transformation and other changes that maintain the financial integrity of the Council whilst still aiming as much as possible to protect jobs and key services.
RESOLVED: 1. To review and approve the proposed revisions to the Strategy, as informed by the outcomes of the formal consultation; and 2. To approve the final Tonypandy Town Centre Strategy for adoption and supporting the ‘vision’ and ‘ambitions’ included in the Strategy.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declarations were made pertaining to items within the agenda: - The Leader declared the following personal interest in respect of item 3 (Approval for the Aquisition of Nos 1-16 (excluding 6a and 6b), Clydach Terrace, Ynysybwl, CF37 3LT) - "I have taken part in meetings regarding the proposal with residents, NRW and Welsh Government"; and - The Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, Councillor R Davis declared the following personal interest in respect of item 7 (Overview and Scrutiny Committee Child Poverty Working Group Report) - “My husband works for Spectacle Theatre, which is referenced within the report”.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 15th December 2025 as an accurate record.
The Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 15th December 2025 as an accurate record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to note the updates to the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation.
The Cabinet RESOLVED to note the updates to the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To acquire the Freehold interest in the properties known as 1-16 Clydach Terrace (Excluding 6a and 6b) Ynysybwl, (“the Properties”) shown edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 for an aggregate consideration in the order of £2,570,000 including incidental costs, relocation assistance and agreed legal fees; 2. To authorise the Group Director for Corporate Resources to finalise negotiations and conclude the necessary legal processes in relation to the acquisition of the Properties; and 3. To authorise officers to develop and deliver the site remediation including demolition and making good of the residual area with public realm as appropriate.
The Chief Executive presented the report, which sought Cabinet to obtain authorisation to acquire the Freehold interest in the properties known as 1-16 Clydach Terrace (Excluding 6a and 6b) Ynysybwl, for an aggregate consideration in the order of £2,570,000. The Leader thanked the Chief Executive for bringing forward the report and sought to reiterate that this was a unique set of circumstances and perhaps the first time a Council had considered intervening in this way for flooding to properties in land. The Leader emphasised that the Council was not the flood risk management authority for this, and that NRW were. It was explained that since the severe flooding in Storm Dennis, the Council had engaged in a Panel consisting of various stakeholders, including Welsh Government, to consider potential flooding solutions going forward. The key findings of the Panel were that the cost of building a raised flood defence wall would not be economically viable and raised concerns as to whether it would be sufficient in preventing future flooding events that occur due to climate change. The Leader spoke of his first-hand experience of visiting the affected homes at Clydach Terrace, following Storm Dennis in 2020 and stressed how high the water levels raised. The Leader explained the NRW had found no viable solution and that without such intervention as proposed by the Chief Executive, there was very little else the Council do. The Leader spoke of the further flooding event, Storm Bert, in 2024 and advised that with the support of Local Members, the Council had put in place an emergency plan, opened and staffed a rest centre and evacuated the residents. The Leader was of the view that this approach could not continue and acknowledged the damaging effects on the mental wellbeing of the residents residing at those homes in Clydach Terrace. The Leader was supportive of the intervention and stated that, if agreed, the scheme would be funded from resources available within the Council’s overall flood management and wider capital programme. With the agreement of the Leader, County Borough Councillor A Ellis and the following members of the public were granted permission to address the Cabinet in respect of this item of business: - Ms R Chadwick; and - Mr P Thomas. The Leader took the opportunity to thank the Local Members and the residents for their ongoing conversations in respect of the issue. The Leader acknowledged the fear and risk conveyed by the speakers and emphasised that it was a unique situation in terms of the level of flooding experienced. The Leader added that the Council were only now considering such a proposal as NRW are the flood risk management authority and as such, there was a need for the Council to wait for their modelling and findings to see if a viable business case could have been agreed. The Deputy Leader thanked the residents and Local Member for sharing their traumatic experiences with the Cabinet and spoke of her own experience of flooding in the Rhydyfelin ward. The Deputy empathised with the Local Members and with residents and noted the devastating impact the flooding had had on their homes and wellbeing. The Deputy was fully supportive of the recommendations contained within the report, which she felt would provide the residents of Clydach Terrace with a better quality of life, without the fear of flooding. The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing agreed with earlier comments and stated that the level of flooding experienced at the 16 homes in Clydach Terrace posed a severe risk to life. As it was an exceptional situation, the Cabinet Member was supportive of the proposals before Members. The Leader stressed that all flooding events were devastating to communities and provided assurance that the Council were continuing to lobby NRW and Welsh Government about viable solutions for other locations, which were at risk of flooding within the County Borough. However, he explained that during extreme flooding events, the homes in question were rapidly inundated with flood water with internal flooding up to 1.96m in depth, causing a risk to life. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To acquire the Freehold interest in the properties known as 1-16 Clydach Terrace (Excluding 6a and 6b) Ynysybwl, (“the Properties”) shown edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 for an aggregate consideration in the order of £2,570,000 including incidental costs, relocation assistance and agreed legal fees; 2. To authorise the Group Director for Corporate Resources to finalise negotiations and conclude the necessary legal processes in relation to the acquisition of the Properties; and 3. To authorise officers to develop and deliver the site remediation including demolition and making good of the residual area with public realm as appropriate.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the contents of the Child Poverty Working Group report; and 2. To review the 18 recommendations contained within the report, which have been endorsed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 7th January 2026. Note: As the Leader was not present for the entirety of the discussions, he did not vote on this item.
Note: It was agreed for this item of business to be brought forward. The Leader left the meeting for the discussion of this item, and the Deputy Leader took the Chair. The Service Director of Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communication provided the Cabinet with the final report of the Child Poverty Working Group, setting out the key findings, evidence gathered and recommendations aimed at improving outcomes for children and families experiencing poverty in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Working Group was established following a Notice of Motion proposed by County Borough Councillor S Evans and seconded by County Borough Councillor D Grehan and presented to Council on 29th March 2023, which was unanimously supported by Council Members present at the time. With the agreement of the Leader, County Borough Councillor J Edwards and the following member of the public were granted permission to address the Cabinet in respect of this item of business: - Ms K Edwards – Valleys Kids; and - Ms B Tingle - Behaviour Support Hub. The Deputy Leader took the opportunity to thank the Chair of the Scrutiny Committee for providing detail into the work of the Working Group and the two speakers for their informative contributions. The Deputy also took extended her thanks to the Members of the Working Group, the Citizen Researcher and to the HDRC for their strong input. The Deputy Leader praised the report before Members, which she described as robust and evidence-based. Referring to the 18 recommendations contained within the report, the Deputy was of the view that they would go a long way to minimising poverty and improving lives but felt that it would be difficult to fully eliminate it. The Deputy Leader suggested that a report is brought forward for Cabinet consideration in the future to monitor the progress and implementation of the recommendations. The Cabinet Member for Resources (Corporate Resources & Service Improvement) also extended her thanks to the Working Group and stated that the recommendations put forward were important and welcomed. The Cabinet Member spoke of the recent decision by the UK Labour Government to remove the two-child benefit gap, which she also welcomed. The Cabinet Member for Social Care (Children’s Services) also thanked the Working Group for undertaking the important piece of work and emphasised the importance of working together to minimise child poverty. The Cabinet Member spoke of the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to address the challenges and break down the barriers. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the contents of the Child Poverty Working Group report; and 2. To review the 18 recommendations contained within the report, which have been endorsed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 7th January 2026. Note: As the Leader was not present for the entirety of the discussions, he did not vote on this item.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To consider the proposed revisions to Council fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year and specific proposals in respect of Leisure for Life Membership prices for the 2027/28 financial year, all proposals being rounded, where appropriate and permissible, to support customer convenience; 2. For the fees and charges proposals (as set out at paragraphs 5.3.1 to 5.3.25 of the report) to be consulted on through phase 2 of the Council’s 2026/27 Budget Consultation process and reported back to Cabinet for consideration as part of formulating a recommended Budget Strategy for 2026/27; 3. To note the fees and charges decisions previously approved and to be included in the 2026/27 proposed Budget Strategy (paragraph 5.6 / Table 3 of the report); 4. To note that proposed revisions to fees and charges that relate to the bereavement services provided by Llwydcoed Crematorium will be reported to the Llwydcoed Crematorium Joint Committee for consideration, the timing of which will be aligned to the Council’s phase 2 budget consultation process; and 5. To consider the proposed revisions to the car parking fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year submitted by Non Majority Group Members (County Borough Councillors C Lisles and K Johnson) and that these be consulted on during the phase 2 Council’s 2026/27 Budget Consultation process and reported back to Cabinet for consideration.
Note: The Leader took the Chair following the last item of business. The Director of Financial Services and Transformation provided the Cabinet with revisions to Council fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year to be consulted on as part of phase 2 of the 2026/27 budget consultation process (with the proposed revisions to be effective from 1st April 2026 or as soon as is practicable thereafter); and to provide details of fees and charges decisions previously approved and to be included in the 2026/27 proposed Budget Strategy. The Leader thanked the Director for the report and commented that it was right to explore several options, acknowledging that one size did not fit all in terms of fees and charges. The Leader spoke of the Leisure for Life Membership proposal to incur a small increase for 2026/27 but that the fee would be frozen for the following year. The Leader felt the proposals were fair and reasonable and was content to put them forward as part of the phase 2 budget consultation. The Cabinet Member for Resources (Corporate Resources and Service Improvement) commented that the fees and charges proposals were balanced and noted that 80% of respondents to the consultation had asked for fees to be considered on an individual basis, which the Council had listened to. The Cabinet Member noted that the largest proposed fee increase was in relation to fixed penalty notices, which she felt the majority of residents would agree with to ensure cleaner communities and town centres across the County Borough. The Deputy Leader echoed earlier comments and stated that the proposals compared favourably to other Local Authorities and the private sector. Referring to a letter submitted to the Leader, which contained alternative proposals to car parking fees and charges by Non-Majority Group Elected Members, the Deputy was content with this to be consulted upon alongside officer proposals, as part of the phase 2 budget consultation, but felt it would be beneficial to know of the overall estimated savings generated. The Leader agreed that the alternative proposals to car parking fees and charges submitted by the Non-Majority Group Elected Members should be consulted upon to gain the views and feedback of residents, acknowledging that the Members had followed the correct procedures in line with the Council’s constitution. In terms of the estimated income to be generated from the proposals from Non-Majority Group Elected Members, the Director of Financial Services and Transformation advised that although there were no detailed calculations at hand, the high level calculation was that the proposal would generate approximately £20K of additional income but would be subject to behavioural change. With the agreement of the Leader, County Borough Councillor C Lisles addressed the Cabinet in respect of this item of business. The Leader thanked the Member for her contribution. Referring to the letter, the Leader queried whether the proposed changes were for the whole year or whether the Members intended to continue with the free parking arrangements in place for December. The Leader sought clarity to ensure officers could correctly calculate the estimated savings from the proposal. The Member was content with the officer’s proposed arrangements for December and confirmed that the proposed changes were for the other eleven months of the year. Members were content with the fees and charges officer proposals to be consulted on through phase 2 of the Council’s 2026/27 Budget Consultation process, along with the proposed revisions to the car parking fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year submitted by Non Majority Group Members. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To consider the proposed revisions to Council fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year and specific proposals in respect of Leisure for Life Membership prices for the 2027/28 financial year, all proposals being rounded, where appropriate and permissible, to support customer convenience; 2. For the fees and charges proposals (as set out at paragraphs 5.3.1 to 5.3.25 of the report) to be consulted on through phase 2 of the Council’s 2026/27 Budget Consultation process and reported back to Cabinet for consideration as part of formulating a recommended Budget Strategy for 2026/27; 3. To note the fees and charges decisions previously approved and to be included in the 2026/27 proposed Budget Strategy (paragraph 5.6 / Table 3 of the report); 4. To note that proposed revisions to fees and charges that relate to the bereavement services provided by Llwydcoed Crematorium will be reported to the Llwydcoed Crematorium Joint Committee for consideration, the timing of which will be aligned to the Council’s phase 2 budget consultation process; and 5. To consider the proposed revisions to the car parking fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year submitted by Non Majority Group Members (County Borough Councillors C Lisles and K Johnson) and that these be consulted on during the phase 2 Council’s 2026/27 Budget Consultation process and reported back to Cabinet for consideration.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To note that the procedures relating to revenue budget construction, the budget consultation process, and reporting to Council, are set out in the “Budget and Policy Framework” within the Council’s Constitution; 2. To note and consider the outcomes of the budget consultation phase 1 process; 3. To review and consider the draft 2026/27 Revenue Budget Strategy, detailed in ‘Appendix A’ to the report; 4. To consider and determine the level of Council Tax increase for 2026/27 which it would wish to build into the strategy to form the basis upon which a second phase of consultation will take place; 5. To the draft timetable for setting the 2026/27 revenue budget as set out at Appendix A2 of the report; 6. To receive feedback from the second phase of budget consultation in order to consider and determine the final budget strategy for submission to Council; 7. That the Council continues to support the medium term financial strategy aimed at maximising ongoing efficiency in service delivery, targeted service transformation and other changes that maintain the financial integrity of the Council whilst still aiming as much as possible to protect jobs and key services.
The Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Corporate Resources provided Cabinet with information in respect of the 2026/27 local government settlement and the outcomes of the budget consultation phase 1 exercise, to assist with its deliberations in formulating the revenue budget strategy for the financial year 2026/27, which it will recommend to Council, for approval. The Leader thanked the Group Director for the report. The Leader noted that many areas would receive an uplift in funding of variant amounts but stated that the three priority areas would be Education, Social Services and Frontline Services (streetcare), which aligned with the resident views in phase 1 of the budget consultation. In terms of proposed Council Tax rise of 4%, the Leader reiterated that this would be one of the lowest in Wales and stated that RCT had the third lowest Council Tax per average dwelling. The Leader hoped that this would continue with residents in RCT paying considerably less Council Tax than those in other County Boroughs, with services and statutory services provided over and above what is expected, to the best of the Council’s ability. In terms of the proposed increase in General Fund Reserves, the Leader emphasised that much of the reserves were allocated for the Council’s Capital Programme, for investment in areas such as schools, resurfacing roads and play areas etc. The Leader stated that if the Council were to maintain a minimum level going forward of £12.5M, it would still be lower than the guidance by Audit Wales, but emphasised that it was not challenged due to the Council’s strong financial management arrangements. The Leader explained that between the Council’s revenue budget, capital budget and various grants, the Council’s overall budget for the year was around £900M and believed that a general reserve balance of £12.5M over the medium-term plan was modest in comparison. The Cabinet Member for Resources (Corporate Resources & Service Improvement) was in agreement with the Leader’s comments regarding the Council’s level of reserves and commented on the size of the Council and its operations. The Cabinet Member emphasised that the Council was in a position to respond well to emergencies and continue the high levels of Capital Investment, due to maintaining the level of reserves. The Cabinet Member was content with the proposed rise in Council Tax and commented that it was necessary to protect services for residents. The Member added that the Council had a generous Council Tax relief programme and noted the proposed increase to NDR, to support businesses and town centres. The Deputy Leader noted that when the Council engage with residents in respect of the budget, the public generally agreed with the priorities. The Deputy praised provision available, noting that residents have the opportunity to engage face-to-face, online and telephone and that a wide range of stakeholders and groups are involved. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To note that the procedures relating to revenue budget construction, the budget consultation process, and reporting to Council, are set out in the “Budget and Policy Framework” within the Council’s Constitution; 2. To note and consider the outcomes of the budget consultation phase 1 process; 3. To review and consider the draft 2026/27 Revenue Budget Strategy, detailed in ‘Appendix A’ to the report; 4. To consider and determine the level of Council Tax increase for 2026/27 which it would wish to build into the strategy to form the basis upon which a second phase of consultation will take place; 5. To the draft timetable for setting the 2026/27 revenue budget as set out at Appendix A2 of the report; 6. To receive feedback from the second phase of budget consultation in order to consider and determine the final budget strategy for submission to Council; 7. That the Council continues to support the medium term financial strategy aimed at maximising ongoing efficiency in service delivery, targeted service transformation and other changes that maintain the financial integrity of the Council whilst still aiming as much as possible to protect jobs and key services.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To review and approve the proposed revisions to the Strategy, as informed by the outcomes of the formal consultation; and 2. To approve the final Tonypandy Town Centre Strategy for adoption and supporting the ‘vision’ and ‘ambitions’ included in the Strategy.
The Service Director of Housing and Regeneration Services updated Cabinet on the outcome of the Formal Consultation regarding the draft Tonypandy Town Centre Strategy, provide detail of the revisions made to the draft Strategy following consideration of the consultation findings; and sought approval to formally adopt the final Tonypandy Town Centre Strategy. The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing welcomed the report and took the opportunity to thank the officers for the robust work during the process and those who engaged with the consultation process. The Cabinet Member noted from the consultation, that respondents were largely in agreement with the proposals and commented that, if agreed, he looked forward to its implementation. The Deputy Leader was happy to second the recommendations contained within the report and echoed the earlier comments that 84% of respondents had agreed with the vision going forward. The Cabinet RESOLVED: 1. To review and approve the proposed revisions to the Strategy, as informed by the outcomes of the formal consultation; and 2. To approve the final Tonypandy Town Centre Strategy for adoption and supporting the ‘vision’ and ‘ambitions’ included in the Strategy.
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.
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