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 28th April 2025 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.
RESOLVED to: · Scrutinise the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities in respect of matters considered and agreed by Cabinet, and any key decisions taken, during the period 9 May 2024 – 14th July 2025.
RESOLVED to: · Note the content of the report.
RESOLVED: • To respond as consultees upon the proposals detailed below in paragraph 4 and Appendices 1&2. • To provide further comments, observations or recommendations in respect of these proposal. • That further information on the scheme is provided to Members following the consultation and if implemented by Cabinet, Members will review the scheme after a year. • Request the Service Director for Democratic Services & Communications to provide Cabinet with the feedback of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee
Apologies for absence were received from County Borough Councillors S Bradwick, H Gronow and G Stacey.
In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 28th April 2025 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 28th April 2025 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: · Scrutinise the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities in respect of matters considered and agreed by Cabinet, and any key decisions taken, during the period 9 May 2024 – 14th July 2025.
The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities to the Committee and thanked him for attending. The Committee Business Manager presented the report to Members and advised Members that they have an opportunity to scrutinise any arising matters with the portfolio holder responsible for Public Health and Communities and to ensure that the appropriate mechanisms are in place to effectively scrutinise the Executive. Discussions ensued and a Member enquired about the RCT Intoxicating Substances (Including Alcohol) Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Review and asked the Cabinet Member whether the PSPO is having the intended effect to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and requested an update on the current ASB levels in Aberdare / Pontypridd. The Cabinet Member confirmed that evidence strongly supports the view that the PSPO is having the intended effect. The Cabinet Member also discussed the important role that RCT Community Wardens play and the presence is strong and visible across both town centres. Members were informed that there has been a measurable reduction in anti-social behaviour in both Pontypridd and Aberdare town centres since the renewed PSPO in 2021 with the figures below being shared. From 2021/22 to 2023/24: • Pontypridd saw a 23% reduction in ASB incidents, from 183 to 140. • Aberdare experienced a 29% reduction, from 305 to 217. The Cabinet Member added that the decline is attributed to enhanced enforcement, increased visibility of officers, and the deterrent effect of the PSPO itself. It was also highlighted that there is strong public support with 66% agreement in consultation that the PSPO is likely to have a positive impact on quality of life. Another Member also raised a question regarding the PSPO and asked how the Council monitor will and evaluate the effectiveness of the renewed PSPO over the next three years and if there are any areas that could be strengthened. The Cabinet Member shared the use of enforcement data tracking, including the number of FPNs, Community Protection Notices, and warning letters issued will aid in monitoring the effectiveness. Additionally, partnership working with South Wales Police and other agencies and the ability to share intelligence & coordinate responses. In relation to evaluating the effectiveness, public consultation & perception surveys, as used in the 2024 review, are used to assess community sentiment and perceived safety. The Cabinet Member also highlighted he is grateful for the ongoing scrutiny via the Community Services Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet reporting. The Cabinet Member also referred to the efforts made by residents and elected members to build an evidence base for their areas if required which contributes to evidence led research based on reports of ASB. A Member referenced the RCT Together – Community Asset Transfer of Treherbert Community Education Centre and shared their praise for the transfer to renew an education establishment and asked the Cabinet Member how the council will ensure that the project is financially and operationally sustainable for the future. The Cabinet Member shared the the Council has taken a low-risk approach by granting a 25-year lease with an initial two-year rent-free period to support redevelopment. Black Mountains College Project (BMCP) will be responsible for all capital and revenue costs, including statutory compliance It was also highlighted that BMCP has: • A strong track record of securing grant funding. • Experience in managing similar education and community facilities. • Robust governance, financial oversight, and partnerships with Neath Port Talbot College and Cardiff Metropolitan University Any surpluses generated will be reinvested into the building and services, and the lease enables BMCP to access funding streams not available to the Council. The Member shared his thanks to the Council for being proactive in respect of this project ensuring that the building does not go into disrepair and is transformed into an establishment that will benefit the whole authority through it’s education provision. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the challenges faced when large buildings close but shared his confidence in the BMCP completing their commitment to deliver. A Member referenced the Cabinet decision regarding Council Tax Premiums - Long Term Empty Properties and Second Homes and asked for an update on the impact of this decision on the number of empty homes. The Member also highlighted there are many empty properties across the county borough that are business properties and that are empty in a dangerous condition. The Member asked the Cabinet Member to confirm if the authority has the ability to address these. The Cabinet Member shared that since April 2023 the total number of long-term empty properties and second homes has reduced by 11%, from 2,079 to 1,849. Also, premiums for long term empty properties came into effect on 1st April 2023. During this period the number of properties subject to a premium has reduced by 23%. As of 1st July 2025, there were 1,289 long term empty properties with a premium. Premiums for empty furnished properties or more commonly known as second homes came into effect on 1st April 2024. During this period the number of properties subject to a premium has reduced by 9%. As of 1st July 2025, there were 560 second homes with a premium (as recorded on the council tax records). A further 650 empty properties are not yet subject to a premium but have been empty longer than 6 months and will be classed as “long term empty” if they remain empty for longer than 12 months. Of the 650 properties, 210 are for sale/let and are therefore excepted from paying the premium for a maximum period of 12 months. 230 long term empty properties are owned by Registered Social Landlords such as Trivallis, Beacon Cymru and Cynon Taff Housing Associations. The Cabinet Member acknowledged that whilst it is a slow process the figures show it is moving in the right direction. The Cabinet Member also confirmed to Members that he would discuss empty business properties with senior officers and provide a follow up response outside of the meeting for Committee members. Another Member referenced again the PSPO and the impact of RCT Community Wardens and asked for the Cabinet Member to comment on their working relationship with South Wales Police, noting that successful partnership working is key to the success of the scheme. The Cabinet Member shared that the introduction of RCT Community wardens has proven invaluable. The feedback received from South Wales Police confirms that they are having an effect and it is well respected throughout South Wales the initiative taken by Rhondda Cynon Taff. It is the 2nd year of the scheme so it is still being reviewed but evidence suggests things are moving in the right direction. In reference to the decision taken by Cabinet regarding a Strategy for Bereavement Services in Rhondda Cynon Taf 2024-2034, a Member asked for information on the financial and operational implications of the strategy, and for detail on how performance will be monitored. The Cabinet Member shared that financially, the strategy includes spend-to-save capital investment proposals aimed at reducing long-term revenue costs with examples shared including new equipment being installed for managers and finance to monitor gas consumption and costs incurred and report back. Required upgrades to meet environmental standards will be met by end of Summer 2025. Operationally, the service is developing its own local performance indicators to track progress. It will continue to benchmark against national standards and undergo regular inspections by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities. The Cabinet Member also shared that next FBCA inspections due in 18-24 months as these are a 3-year inspection schedule. Another Member also queried whether the objectives / activities outlined in the 5-year action plan are on track for 2024/25 and what progress has been made in implementing the strategy.In response, the Cabinet Member shared that, while still in its early implementation phase, the strategy remains on track for 2024/25, with early actions laying the groundwork for more visible service improvements in the coming year. Some foundational steps include: • Benchmarking has already started in relation to all services and products offered and is updated in January each year to ensure RCT compares favourably with other service providers. • Staff at all levels have been and continue to be involved in work undertaken by the Councils Equality Diversity and Inclusion Team and work incredibly hard with compassion and tact. • Started identifying capital investment needs to meet upcoming environmental legislation. • Meetings have taken place with all RCT Funeral Directors, and the plan is to arrange a public open day in the next 12 months where residents can informally visit the crematoria and speak to them about their services. The Cabinet Member also highlighted the changes to funeral time lengths and the benefits that are to be gained through this. Some next steps include: • Finalising and implementing revised fee structure and service offer - completed for 25/26. • Begin phased capital investment in infrastructure and equipment e.g. refrigeration. • The Bereavement Services Manager is working with colleagues to develop local performance indicators relating to the service we offer. • Continue stakeholder engagement with Funeral Directors and the Llwydcoed Joint Committee. • Important work will continue to finalise the digitisation of all burial and cremation records to allow them to be researched more quickly and available on-line. The Member asked a further question in relation to empty properties and requested information about what action is taken regarding empty properties being owned by social landlords and what is being done to encourage these to be brought back into operation. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the need for housing and the need to prompt landlords to bring properties back into use and confirmed that a full response will be shared with Members following the meeting. A Member raised concerns about the negative impact that large, vacant properties can have on local communities and emphasized the importance of the Council utilising every available tool to address the issue. The Member also expressed appreciation to the Cabinet Member for their continued efforts in lobbying on this matter. Regarding the Bereavement Strategy, a query was raised about funding for the first-year actions. The Cabinet Member confirmed that funding has been identified and committed to providing further detailed information after the meeting. Members also discussed concerns about the volume of music played at the end of services at Llwydcoed Crematorium. The Cabinet Member assured the Committee that he would raise the matter with the relevant officers. Members expressed their gratitude to the Bereavement Services teams for their proactive approach and the valuable work they undertake. The Cabinet Member echoed these sentiments. At the conclusion of their questions, the Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for attending and Members were assured that follow up responses would be shared following the meeting. Following consideration it was RESOLVED to: · Scrutinise the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities in respect of matters considered and agreed by Cabinet, and any key decisions taken, during the period 9 May 2024 – 14th July 2025.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: · Note the content of the report.
The Service Manager Adult Community Learning presented the report to Committee which provided Members with an update on RCT’s Adult Community Learning Partnership’s progress in delivering the recommendations from the Estyn inspection undertaken in February 2024. A Member queried whether contingency plans were in place should Medr continue to delay the publication of its guidance on information sharing. The Service Manager responded that Medr, being a newly established organisation, is currently developing its strategic framework and is not expected to release guidance in the short term. In the interim, the strategic partnership has proactively engaged GDPR representatives within the local authority and delivery partner organisations to develop bespoke information-sharing protocols. Another Member asked whether quantitative outcomes, such as progression into further education or employment, would be tracked. The Service Manager confirmed that an annual self-assessment report is produced, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data. This report is presented to the Strategic Board each October. Members acknowledged the vital role of adult education in enhancing employment prospects and supporting mental health. A Member requested information on current service capacity and learner uptake. The Service Manager explained that accredited learning is delivered via the Community Learning Grant, while engagement activities, targeting potential learners through non-accredited routes, are supported by SPF funding. Currently, course capacity is below 75%, although this varies by subject area; for example, employability courses tend to be fully subscribed. The service has sufficient tutor capacity to expand provision if demand increases. Members also discussed the impact of the newly launched website and its role in engaging learners, particularly those not currently accessing services. The Service Manager noted that the website has been live for three months, and while impact data is currently not available, learners have submitted case studies showcasing their achievements, which are being added to the site. Additionally, a new initiative is underway to recruit learning ambassadors from across the County Borough. These ambassadors will join the operational group to provide learner-led input and help shape future service delivery. A Member highlighted the new partnership with Black Mountain College and its potential to enhance learning opportunities. They asked how outdoor spaces within the County Borough could be better utilised for course delivery. The Service Manager agreed that expanding outdoor learning is a desirable goal but noted that it depends on the availability of delivery partners with the capacity and expertise to facilitate such provision. Finally, a Member referred to the enrolment data in the report and requested clarification on the apparent reduction in September 2024 figures. The Service Manager explained that the decrease is attributable to a specific cohort -learners enrolled in the Multiply programme - whose data was counted separately by the UK Government and therefore excluded from the report. As the Multiply programme concluded this year, updated enrolment figures are expected to be available in autumn 2024. Following consideration it was RESOLVED to: · Note the content of the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: • To respond as consultees upon the proposals detailed below in paragraph 4 and Appendices 1&2. • To provide further comments, observations or recommendations in respect of these proposal. • That further information on the scheme is provided to Members following the consultation and if implemented by Cabinet, Members will review the scheme after a year. • Request the Service Director for Democratic Services & Communications to provide Cabinet with the feedback of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee
The Director of Adult Services provided Members with a comprehensive overview of the consultation documents relating to proposed amendments to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Disabled Persons Parking Bay (DPPB) Scheme, following a recent review. This enabled Members to formally respond to the consultation. A Member queried the rationale behind the annual allocation of 12 parking bays. The Director explained that this figure is historic and not based on scientific analysis. Due to consistently high demand, a practical limit was necessary. As part of the consultation, the number of bays allocated annually will be reconsidered based on feedback received. Members acknowledged that while 12 bays may appear insufficient, setting a clear and justified limit is essential for budgetary planning. The Director confirmed that flexibility in allocation is constrained by financial considerations. Concerns were raised regarding the fact that any Blue Badge holder can use the bays, even if they were not the original applicant. Members questioned the validity of the application process given the associated costs and lack of exclusive use. The Director clarified that under the Traffic Regulation Act, bays must be accessible to all Blue Badge holders, which limits the ability to designate them for sole use. Members emphasised the importance of clearly communicating this to applicants to manage expectations and reduce potential conflicts among residents. The Director acknowledged their views and committed to sharing further details on the Traffic Regulation Act following the meeting. A Member raised concerns about the proposed removal of the telephone application option, suggesting that retaining it would ensure accessibility for all applicants. The Director responded that applications must be made in person or online due to the need to submit supporting documents, which cannot be facilitated via telephone. This process aligns with the current housing benefit application procedures. The scheme will be advertised via the Council’s website and through relevant networks, as previously done. The Older Peoples Advisory Group (OPAG) representative highlighted concerns about the affordability of medical assessments, which may exclude individuals unable to pay. The Director confirmed that while the Council does not charge for the bay application itself, the proposal includes individuals funding their own medical assessments. Costs will vary depending on the provider. This element remains under consultation and no final decision has been made. Members stressed the need to consider the impact on GP surgeries and queried whether engagement had been undertaken with GP’s as part of the consultation. The Director highlighted that medical evidence is advised to be sought from consultants, physiotherapists and specialist nurses and is not limited to GP surgeries. A Member asked about the anticipated impact when the scheme reopens, noting it has been paused since 2022/23. The Director expects high demand, consistent with previous years, and noted that the scheme has historically received more applications than available bays. The Director also explained that while 12 bays are awarded annually, bays can be removed when no longer needed, maintaining a stable overall number. However, this relies on individuals notifying the Council. Discussion ensued around the potential for an annual review to confirm continued need and residency. Members supported the idea of an annual review but stressed it should not require new medical evidence and a simple confirmation, or a signed declaration would suffice. Members also raised the importance of an annual review scheme ensuring that parking bay holders are required to reply to ensure accuracy of details. Members discussed the potential for greater flexibility in the annual allocation, suggesting that bays removed during the year could be reallocated to applicants on a reserve list. One Member proposed distributing 12 bays across the three areas of the county borough, Rhondda, Cynon, and Taff. A Member queried the role of informal arrangements and signage used by residents. The Director acknowledged the value of community-led solutions but clarified that the Council would not be involved in managing informal practices. Concerns were also raised about monitoring and enforcement of bay usage. The Director confirmed this issue would be referred to the Highways department, with a follow-up response to be provided to the Committee. The OPAG representative welcomed the scheme’s return, noting that 12 bays are better than none. They echoed Members’ views on the importance of community respect for informal arrangements and suggested integrating bay removal into the ‘Tell Us Once’ service to streamline the process. Members felt it is important to receive an update on the outcomes of the consultation prior to the report going to Cabinet. Following consideration it was RESOLVED: • To respond as consultees upon the proposals detailed below in paragraph 4 and Appendices 1&2. • To provide further comments, observations or recommendations in respect of these proposal. • That further information on the scheme is provided to Members following the consultation and if implemented by Cabinet, Members will review the scheme after a year. • Request the Service Director for Democratic Services & Communications to provide Cabinet with the feedback of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee
The Chair thanked all Members, Officers and Cabinet Members for their attendance at the meeting. The Chair thanked Members for their thorough engagement throughout the meeting and their challenging and insightful discussions.
None.
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.