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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 meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on the 24 March 4pm, 24th March 5pm and 22nd April 2026 as a true and accurate reflection of the meetings
RESOLVED to: 2.1 Undertake pre scrutiny on the report, thus providing Scrutiny with an opportunity to contribute to this matter; and 2.2 Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide feedback to the Welsh Language Cabinet Sub-Committee on behalf of Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
RESOLVED to: 2.1 Respond to the consultation, as detailed in paragraph 5 and decide whether they wish to make any further comments or suggestions as appropriate following consideration of the information before them. 2.2 Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide Cabinet with the feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee prior to any decision being made about the extension of the Orders.
In accordance with the code of conduct Councillor R Lewis declared a personal interest in item 3 and 4 as in his prior role as a Cabinet Member he had been involved in discussions which led to decisions being made on the reports.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on the 24 March 4pm, 24th March 5pm and 22nd April 2026 as a true and accurate reflection of the meetings
RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on the 24 March 4pm, 24th March 5pm and 22nd April 2026 as a true and accurate reflection of the meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: 2.1 Undertake pre scrutiny on the report, thus providing Scrutiny with an opportunity to contribute to this matter; and 2.2 Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide feedback to the Welsh Language Cabinet Sub-Committee on behalf of Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications presented the report to Members on the Draft Policy for the Internal Use of Welsh which Members had the opportunity to pre-scrutinise before its implementation. Members were advised that Standard 98 of that Compliance Notice states “You must develop a policy on using Welsh internally for the purpose of promoting and facilitating the use of the language, and you must publish that policy on your intranet,” which essentially requires the Council to consider how its staff can make use – speaking, writing, listening and reading – of Welsh within their working day Members welcomed the draft of the Council's first formal policy relating to the internal use of Welsh and recognised it as an important step in strengthening the use of the language across the Council. The Committee noted the policy's positive and inclusive approach, including encouraging staff of all abilities to use and develop their Welsh language skills. Members discussed the proposed target of increasing the proportion of staff with Welsh language skills at B1 level. Members sought assurance that the target is achievable. Members were reassured that the Council was already making positive progress towards this objective through existing initiatives and the development of service-specific action plans. The Committee queried what resources were available to support the implementation of the policy and were advised by officers of the range of Welsh language training, development opportunities and Welsh Government funded provision available to staff. Members acknowledged the challenges associated with recruiting and retaining Welsh-speaking staff and welcomed the Council's continued commitment to supporting workforce development. Members asked how staff with little or no Welsh language skills would be supported to develop their confidence and competence in using Welsh language in the workplace. Officers outlined existing learning opportunities and highlighted future developments linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which would provide a structured pathway for progression. The Committee welcomed the positive impact of initiatives already in place, including the Welsh language guaranteed interview scheme, and acknowledged the contribution the policy would make towards wider Welsh Government ambitions for increasing the use of the Welsh language. Members emphasised the importance of robust monitoring arrangements and requested assurance that progress against the policy and associated service action plans would be regularly reported. Officers confirmed that implementation would be monitored through existing performance management arrangements and that annual progress reporting could be provided to Members. Following conclusion of discussions it was RESOLVED to: 2.1 Undertake pre scrutiny on the report, thus providing Scrutiny with an opportunity to contribute to this matter; and 2.2 Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide feedback to the Welsh Language Cabinet Sub-Committee on behalf of Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to: 2.1 Respond to the consultation, as detailed in paragraph 5 and decide whether they wish to make any further comments or suggestions as appropriate following consideration of the information before them. 2.2 Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide Cabinet with the feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee prior to any decision being made about the extension of the Orders.
The Community Services Manager presented the report to Members which offered them the opportunity to provide feedback on the current consultation on the Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Controls) within Rhondda Cynon Taf. Members were reminded that in 2020 after consultation, the Council renewed the PSPO that were in place. These orders need to be renewed every 3 years and therefore, due to the forthcoming expiration date the Council are now seeking views to extend the orders from the 1st October 2026. If the Dog Control PSPO’s are to be extended this must be done before the time the Orders are due expire on the 30th September 2026. In the event of the orders not being extended, they would lapse on 1st October 2026 at which point there would be no restrictions on dogs in Rhondda Cynon Taf (save for any enforceable byelaws) Members expressed strong support for the continuation of the Orders and recognised their positive contribution towards reducing dog fouling, promoting responsible dog ownership and protecting public health and environmental quality across the County Borough. Members acknowledged the challenges associated with enforcing the Orders across a large geographical area but welcomed the work undertaken by Community Wardens and the use of targeted enforcement activity in identified hotspot locations. Members discussed the effectiveness of existing signage and suggested that consideration be given to improving the visibility and accessibility of signs, particularly for residents with visual impairments. The Committee also highlighted the importance of ensuring that signage remains clear and effective in communicating restrictions and responsibilities. Members asked whether active travel routes should be considered as part of future arrangements and whether opportunities should be provided through the consultation process for residents to comment on the potential introduction of additional requirements for dogs to be kept on leads in public parks. The Committee emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong public awareness campaign alongside enforcement activity. Members highlighted the value of social media campaigns and educational initiatives in reinforcing the health and safety risks associated with dog fouling and encouraging responsible behaviour. Members also stressed the importance of targeted enforcement activity in areas subject to recurring complaints, including sports pitches, parks, cemeteries and other identified hotspots. The Committee welcomed the intelligence-led deployment of Community Wardens and requested that consideration be given to improving feedback mechanisms so that local Members and communities are aware of enforcement activity undertaken in response to concerns raised. During discussion, concerns were raised regarding the condition, capacity and maintenance of some dog waste bins. Members requested that arrangements for the inspection, replacement and emptying of bins continue to be reviewed to ensure they remain fit for purpose. Following conclusion of discussions it was RESOLVED to: 2.1 Respond to the consultation, as detailed in paragraph 5 and decide whether they wish to make any further comments or suggestions as appropriate following consideration of the information before them. 2.2 Authorise the Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications to provide Cabinet with the feedback of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee prior to any decision being made about the extension of the Orders.
None
The Chair thanked all members and officers in attendance for their contributions to the meeting.
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.
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