Each council sets a budget every year: how much to spend on each service and how much council tax to charge. Council tax pays for about a third; most of the rest is a grant from the Welsh Government and business rates.
The Cabinet proposes the budget, usually in the winter, and the full Council agrees it and sets council tax by early March. Scrutiny committees examine the plans first.
Most councils run a budget consultation in the autumn or early winter. Your councillors vote on the final budget, so tell them what matters to you.
| Council | Items | With a decision |
|---|---|---|
| Vale of Glamorgan | 58 | 20 |
| Swansea | 45 | 3 |
| Cardiff | 41 | 33 |
| Carmarthenshire | 10 | 2 |
| Gwynedd | 7 | 1 |
| Blaenau Gwent | 5 | 5 |
| Ceredigion | 4 | 3 |
| Bridgend | 4 | 0 |
| Powys | 4 | 1 |
| Monmouthshire | 3 | 0 |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | 2 | 1 |
| Torfaen | 1 | 1 |
| Neath Port Talbot | 1 | 1 |
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward. AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
RESOLVED – T H A T the Quarter 1 monitoring report for Treasury Management 2023/24 be noted. Reason for decision Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments made by Members of the Governance and Audit Committee be referred to Cabinet. The comments being: • The report was easily accessible given the level and detail of information provided; • For extra context to be added around the use of agency staff and the percentage of overall Council salaries that agency contracts make. Also to add in some information regarding the Council’s policies around the use of staff employed via agencies; • Who were the targeted audiences as it would be difficult for the ordinary person to engage with the report; • Consideration be given to the balanced opinions provided in the report, particularly as Council Tax was rising and the level of services were decreasing; • Brexit was mentioned under the Critical Challenges section but there was very little detail about what that meant; • Was more balanced commentary needed around Project Zero given that at its previous meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee, the Committee had asked for the risk to be attributed a “catastrophic” status; • It was important to highlight the risks associated with Project Zero as the Council had committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030; • The report mentioned that the Council had introduced new technology to facilitate hybrid Council and Committee meetings, but given recent progress was that a true reflection; • There was reference to staff absence days increasing, so more context behind that was required as well as data to show as a comparison to other Local Authorities; • With regard to areas that had missed targets for consideration to be given as to how these were presented and to also include further commentary under the Regulatory Improvements section. Reason for decision Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED – T H A T the dispensations as set out in the schedule below be granted up to the date of the next Local Government Elections or as and where indicated: Member Requesting Paragraph(s) of Decision Dispensation the Standards Committee (Grant of Dispensations) (Wales) Regulations 2001 Under Which Dispensation is Granted and as applied for Councillor H.J. Payne (d), (e), (f) and (i) To speak and vote at Vale of Glamorgan Council meetings on matters relating to the review of Council employee terms and conditions ( including budgets) in view of family members being employed by the Authority . Dispensation granted to the date of the next Local Government Elections Councillor G. Smith (d), (e) and (i) To speak only on matters relating to the forthcoming Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan throughout the entire period of consultations relating to the forthcoming Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan 2021- 2036. Dispensation granted throughout the entire period of consultation relating to the replacement LDP up until its adoption Councillor Dr. P. Dickson (a) and (i) To speak and vote at Llantwit Major Town Council Planning Committee meetings in relation to Planning Application 2023/00596/FUL – Purlon No. Farm. The dispensation to be granted for the one meeting when the application is to be discussed. Councillor G. Morgan (a) and (i) To speak and vote at Llantwit Major Town Council Planning Committee meetings in relation to Planning Application 2023/00596/FUL – Purlon Farm. The dispensation to be granted for the one meeting when the application is to be discussed Councillor D. Foster (a) and (i) To speak and vote at Llantwit Major Town Council Planning Committee meetings in relation to Planning Application 2023/00596/FUL – Purlon Farm. The dispensation to be granted for the one meeting when the application is to be discussed Councillor J. Deakin (a) and (i) To speak and vote at Llantwit Major Town Council Planning Committee meetings in relation to Planning Application 2023/00596/FUL – Purlon Farm. The dispensation to be granted for the one meeting when the application is to be discussed Councillor G. Hughes (a) and (i) To speak and vote at Llantwit Major Town Council Planning Committee meetings in relation to Planning Application 2023/00596/FUL – Purlon Farm. The dispensation to No. be granted for the one meeting when the application is to be discussed Councillor S. Sivagnanam (d), (e), (f) and (i) To speak and vote at Vale of Glamorgan Council meetings when matters are discussed, including budgets, in relation to the school. Dispensation granted to the date of the next Local Government Elections Reason for decisions To comply with the regulations and obligations for the grant of dispensations to speak and vote and having regard to the applications submitted.
RESOLVED: that i. budget principles on which the Budget Strategy will be based and the approach to meeting the Budget Reduction Requirement both in 2024/25 and across the period of the Medium-Term Financial Plan be agreed. ii. that directorates work with the relevant Portfolio Cabinet Member(s), in consultation with the Corporate Director Resources and Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation and Performance to identify potential savings to assist in addressing the indicative budget gap of £36.7 million for 2024/25 and £119.2 million across the period of the Medium-Term Financial Plan. iii. Authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation and Performance, the authority to implement any saving proposal in advance of 2024/25 where no policy recommendation is required or where a policy decision has already been taken. iv. It be noted that work will continue to update and refresh the MTFP and that this will be reported to Members as appropriate. v. It be noted that the Income Generation Framework at Appendix 2 and agree this be used as the approach to setting fees and charges for 2024/25. vi. It be proposed that Council agree that the Budget Timetable Framework set out in Appendix 3 be adopted, and that the work outlined is progressed with a view to informing budget preparation. vii. consultation on the 2024/25 budget proposals will take place when the detail of options is available in order to inform the preparation of the draft 2024/25 Budget.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
AGREED – T H A T the update presentation be noted. Reason for decision Having regard to the content of the presentation on the relevant implications, the implementation programme and budget position of the 20mph Default Speed Limit Rollout for the Vale of Glamorgan. Minutes - AR
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the updates to the Cabinet Quarterly Work Programme for April to June 2023 attached at Appendix 1 be agreed. (2) T H A T the Cabinet Quarterly Work Programme July to September 2023 attached at Appendix 2 be endorsed. Reasons for decisions (1) To monitor progress. (2) To approve the Work Programme for July to September 2023. C43 CLOSURE OF ACCOUNTS 2022/23 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY – CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) – The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to inform Cabinet of the provisional financial position of the Council for the 2022/23 financial year. There had been significant inflationary and demand pressures during the year for Childrens Services including legal costs for complex cases and placement costs, supply of HGV drivers, rising fuel and school transport costs, additional pay pressures and rising energy costs. Additional payments in Social Care were made to social care providers to assist commissioning and recruitment and retention of providers. Minutes - MS Some provision was made for additional Council Tax income of £1.5m earlier in the year which was not achieved in full as arrears had increased but was able to be offset by underspend elsewhere. Additional pay costs had been offset by vacant posts in service budgets, however it was important to be mindful that vacant posts put additional pressure on existing staff. The Leader referred to a typographical error in paragraph 10.5 of the report that referred to the 2020/21 the Statement of Accounts, which should have referred to the 2022/23 accounts, which was noted. This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the report and the financial measures taken and proposed be approved. (2) T H A T the allocation of overall Council surplus as set out below be approved. • £200k transfer to Education Pressures and Improvements Reserve to provide additional support to schools in special measures. • £850k to Education Pressures and Improvements Reserve support ALN support in mainstream schools. • £20k to Neighbourhood Services Reserve for repairs in to single use sports facilities • £350k to Neighbourhood Services Reserve for micro asphalt schemes to address the condition of roads within the Council area. • £150k to Neighbourhood Services Reserve to support the delivery of health and safety works in leisure centres. • £200k to Reshaping Risk and Investment Reserve to provide additional support to Children and Young people over the summer period. • £120k to Neighbourhood Services Reserve to support the implementation of A48 Scheme to improve Road Safety. (3) T H A T the report be referred to Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee. Reasons for decisions (1) To approve the report and the financial measures taken and proposed. (2) To approve the allocation of the 2022/23 surplus to support the delivery of schemes supporting key priorities identified by the Council. Minutes - MS (3) To enable the Scrutiny Committee responsible for finance to review the year end position. C44 CAPITAL CLOSURE OF ACCOUNTS 2022/23 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY – ALL) – The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to inform Cabinet of the provisional financial position of the Council’s Capital Programme for the 2022/23 financial year. Delivering 98% of the programme before the end of the financial year had been outstanding and due to the commitment and hard work across all directorates. The Leader said it was important to recognise the work undertaken to deliver the capital programme, not only the impact of the continued school building programme but with work going on to maintain, renovate and update existing Council properties. Councillor Wilson concurred with the Leader’s comments concerning the teams that had worked so hard to deliver the capital programme, often under difficult circumstances. He referred to the successful delivery of the Resource Recovery Facility and that it was a delight to see it delivered and working. Councillor John said that the development at Hayes Road that consisted of 19 four- person two-bedroom houses and 4 five person three-bedroom houses was extremely good news with further schemes in the pipeline which would make a difference to people across the Vale. The Leader also referred to the installation of automatic water meter readers which gave advanced warning of water leaks on the estate which saved water and money. Paragraph 2.12 of the report noted the progress made within the Band B Programme for six of the schools in the Vale with more to come in Cowbridge, St Nicholas, Ysgol y Deri 2, Iolo Morgannwg and St Richard Gwyn from September onwards. This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the year end capital position for financial year 2022/23 be noted. (2) T H A T the additional scheme budgets as set out in Appendix 1 be approved. (3) T H AT the summary position of the changes in the Capital Programme by directorate from approval at Council on 7th March, 2022 to 31st March, 2023, as set out in Appendix 2 be noted. (4) T H A T the Emergency Power approved in respect of the slippage as set out in Appendix 3 be noted. Minutes - MS (5) T H A T the report be referred to Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee. Reasons for decisions (1) To inform Cabinet of the year end capital position for financial year 2022/23. (2) To inform Cabinet of the additional schemes added to the approved programme for 2022/23. (3) To inform Cabinet of the changes to the Approved Capital Programme set on 7th March, 2022. (4) To advise Cabinet of the approved slippage in the Emergency Powers in the 2022/23 Capital Programme. (5) To enable the Scrutiny Committee responsible for finance to review the year end position. C45 ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT REPORT 2022/23 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY – CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) – The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to present the annual review report on Treasury Management 2022/23. This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein RESOLVED – T H A T the annual report on Treasury Management 2022/23 and that the report be referred to the Corporate Performance Resources Scrutiny Committee prior to being referred to Full Council for approval. Reason for decision To accept and refer the report to Council. C46 CORPORATE RESOURCES DIRECTORATE - CAPACITY & WAYS OF WORKING (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY – CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) – The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide an update on proposals to make changes within the Corporate Resources directorate following the restructure of the Strategic Leadership Team in 2022 and reflecting the future ways of working to support the Council. Minutes - MS Paragraph 2.5 of the report highlighted that the Authority had been operating without a Head of Policy and Business Transformation or Operational Manager for Performance and Policy which had put pressure on other staff and was not a sustainable situation. Paragraph 2.8 of the report proposed reorganising the directorate around four key service areas of HR & Organisational Development, Legal & Democratic Services, Finance & Digital and had no financial implications to the Authority. Councillor Sivagnanam stressed the importance of the Vale’s participation and engagement and equality strategies and that there was no cost implication for the Authority. This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the contents of the report be noted. (2) T H A T the proposals contained in the report be endorsed. Reasons for decisions (1) To update Cabinet on the proposals to make changes within the Corporate Resources directorate. (2) To enable additional strategic capacity to be created to progress the Council's digital ambitions and support the Council to deliver its strategic priorities. C47 DRAFT DIGITAL STRATEGY (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY – CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) – The Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide Cabinet with an overview of work undertaken to develop a new draft Digital Strategy and seek approval to consult on the same before adoption. Digital innovation was a step change away from where it was prior to the pandemic where many service users became much more used to accessing services online. The Strategy would address how digital technology could be used to become more effective, more active, more accessible, more inclusive, and also more data driven. There was a fear that some people would be left out because of such changes, but residents would still be supported by in-person and telephone services. Councillor Sivagnanam said it was important to recognise that both digital and in person support services were available, and that demand for digital services had increased, e.g., 95% of residents in the Vale of Glamorgan digitally completed the census survey. Data gathered could be used to provide better services to residents. Minutes - MS This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the contents of this report be noted. (2) T H A T the draft Digital Strategy and proposals contained in the report be endorsed as the basis for wider consultation. (3) T H A T the report and Appendix A be referred to Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee as part of the consultation process. (4) T H A T Cabinet receives a further report on conclusion of the consultation process in order to consider a final Digital Strategy to be adopted. Reasons for decisions (1) To update Cabinet on the approach taken to developing the draft Digital Strategy. (2) To enable the draft Digital Strategy to be consulted upon. (3) To enable the Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committee to participate in the consultation process. (4) To enable Cabinet to consider the outcomes of the consultation process and proposed changes to the draft Digital Strategy and to ensure the Council adopts a Digital Strategy to provide the framework for digital development in the future. C48 STRONG COMMUNITIES GRANT FUND 2020-2025 (DL/SP) (SCRUTINY – CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) – The Deputy Leader presented the report, the purpose of which was to provide Cabinet with an update on the Strong Communities Grant Fund 2023 -24 and to seek approval for the award of funding for the fourth round of applications. Councillor Brooks emphasised the help and support available to a variety of applying organisations and gave examples of some of the different types of applications that had been made to the Fund. The Leader added that bringing funding together in this way had enabled different organisations from across the Vale of Glamorgan to apply for support for a variety of different reasons and had proven to be amazingly successful. The Creative Communities team had developed a high level of expertise in helping organisations out together effective applications but also assisting with monitoring expenditure. Minutes - MS This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein RESOLVED – (1) T H A T grant funding of up to £152,916.58 be approved and the Evaluation Panel's recommendations as outlined in Appendix A be endorsed. (2) T H A T the content of the report and Appendices B and C be noted. Reasons for decisions (1) To enable Strong Communities Grant Funding to be awarded to submissions as outlined in Appendix A attached to the report, in line with the Council's Constitution and the scope of the scheme. (2) To provide Cabinet with an update on the Strong Communities Grant Fund. C49 WELSH LANGUAGE STANDARDS ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT 2022-23 (EAWL) (SCRUTINY – LEARNING AND CULTURE AND CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) – The Cabinet Member presented the report, the purpose of which was to seek approval for the Council’s Annual Welsh Monitoring Report and update on 5-year Promotion Strategy. Councillor Birch listed matters already in place bilingually including the website that was available and updated bilingually and would soon include historical pages also, staff pages enabled staff to view their information on internal news, policies, payslips etc., the Chief Executive posted a weekly message to staff bilingually, Communications teams produce material bilingually and the Contact Centre and Reception at the Civic Offices were able to conduct business in either medium of English or Welsh. Recruitment and retention of Welsh speakers was a priority and Welsh language courses for all levels offered during work time and at no cost to staff, with classes held remotely including members of the community. Welsh awareness training had also been made available for elected Members as part of equalities training. The Leader noted that the Report Owner listed on the report was incorrect, stated as the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources when it should have been the Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language. This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein Minutes - MS RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the Annual Welsh Monitoring Report for 2022-23 (Appendix 1) and Update on the Welsh Language Promotional Strategy (Appendix 2) be approved in principle, subject to consideration by Scrutiny Committee (Learning & Culture and Corporate Performance & Resources). (2) T H A T the report and appendices be referred to Learning & Culture and Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committees for consideration and if endorsed by the Committees, that the report be published. Reasons for decisions (1) To allow the Council to meet its reporting duty to the Welsh Commissioner as part of the Welsh Language Standards. (2) To enable Learning & Culture and Corporate Performance & Resources Scrutiny Committees to consider the report (and appendices) prior to publication. C50 DAMP AND MOULD POLICY (NBS) (SCRUTINY – HOMES AND SAFE COMMUNITIES) – The Cabinet Member presented the report, the purpose of which was to approve the Damp and Mould Condensation Policy. Councillor Wilson said there were management arrangements in place for addressing condensation and damp issues in residential properties, but the Policy consolidated the detail into a working document for stakeholders, including residents, Officers and the general public, who may be concerned or interested in damp and condensation issues within their properties. He emphasised that Officers in the Housing Department or Neighbourhood Services Department could help people if there were issues with damp and mould. This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein RESOLVED – T H A T the Damp and Mould Policy provided at Appendix 1 be approved. Reason for decision To enable the practices set out within the policy to be adopted and practiced. Minutes - MS C51 PROPOSED TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER FOR EXCEPTIONS TO WALES 20MPH DEFAULT SPEED LIMIT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ANCILLARY SPEED LIMITS (NBS) (SCRUTINY – ENVIRONMENT AND REGENERATION) – The Cabinet Member presented the report, the purpose of which was to update Cabinet on the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process associated with proposed exceptions to Wales 20mph Default Speed Limit and proposed ancillary speed limits. Councillor Wilson said that a similar exercise had taken place in Spain where a substantial decrease in the number of deaths and serious accidents had occurred because of the lowering of the speed limit. It was also hoped that the speed reduction would help to promote sustainable mobility and encourage active travel options and therefore in the future potentially assist to reduce the number of journeys by private car. Councillor John encouraged people to take part in the consultation to express their views. The Leader said the consultation was an example of data driving actions and echoed Councillor John’s encouragement of people taking part in the consultation to express their views. She said that speed reductions would make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, near schools and would not add a lot of time to average journeys around the Vale of Glamorgan. This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the public consultation for the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) associated with exceptions to Wales 20mph Default Speed Limit and proposed ancillary speed limits which commenced on 22nd June, 2023 be noted. (2) T H A T the report be referred to the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee for consideration. (3) T H A T Cabinet be provided with a further report on this matter to consider the responses and comments received during the public consultation period and make a final decision on the implementation of the proposed TRO. Reasons for decisions (1) To advise Cabinet of the proposed TRO and public consultation process. (2) To ensure that the views of the Scrutiny Committee are considered prior to a future decision being taken by Cabinet on the proposed TRO. Minutes - MS (3) To confirm the Council’s position in respect of any objections that may be made to the Order. C52 VALE, VALLEYS & CARDIFF ADOPTION COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT (SCH) (SCRUTINY – HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL CARE) – The Cabinet Member presented the report, the purpose of which was to agree to enter into a new Collaborative Agreement, a copy of which was appended to the report, between Vale of Glamorgan Council, The County Council of the City and County of Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. This was a matter for Executive decision. Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained therein RESOLVED – (1) T H A T a new Collaborative Agreement be entered into between the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the County Council of the City and County of Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council to commence on 1st June, 2023. (2) T H A T authority be delegated to the Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services to agree and execute the Collaborative Agreement and future variations to the Agreement. Reasons for decisions (1) To provide a governance framework which ensured the continued operation and delivery of the Collaborative and outlined the responsibilities of partners. (2) To bring the Collaborative arrangements into line with current practice and requirements. Minutes - MS
RESOLVED: that 1) the proposed scheme for Pentwyn Leisure Centre be approved as illustrated by the design plans at Appendix 1 and the financial proposal at Confidential Appendix 3 and authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, the Section 151 Officer, and the Monitoring Officer to: i. Undertake a public consultation on the proposals and consider potential changes as required within the limits of the approved budget set out at Confidential Appendix 3; ii. Deal with all aspects of the procurement of a contractor(s) to undertake the works set out in this report subject to the financial envelope set out at Confidential Appendix 3; iii. Conclude lease agreements with tenants on the terms set out at Confidential Appendices 3 and 4, subject to detailed due diligence and independent valuation to demonstrate best value. 2) the solar energy scheme as set out at Confidential Appendix 5 be approved. 3) Authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, the Section 151 Officer, and the Legal Officer to deal with all aspects of the procurement of a contractor(s) to deliver the solar energy scheme as set out in this report and at Confidential Appendix 5, subject to the financial envelope set out at Confidential Appendix 5.
RESOLVED: that 1) the Outline Business Case for the Core Office Strategy attached at Confidential Appendix 1, be approved. 2) Authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, the Section 151 Officer, and the Legal Officer to deliver the proposed Interim Strategy for City Hall as outlined in this report and at Confidential Appendix 1 within allocated budgets. 3) the development of a Full Business Case for the preferred option as set out in this report and at Confidential Appendix 1 be authorised.
RESOLVED: that (1) the current state of the Highways Asset Management Plan - 3 (HAMP) be noted which will inform the Cabinet’s recommendations to Council for the Revenue and Capital 2024/25 and Medium-Term budget setting process. (2) Approval be given to the expenditure of £2Million funding within 2023/24 budget against the carriageway asset as identified in this report to limit ongoing deterioration concerns relating to carriageways.
RESOLVED: that 1. subject to the future budget allocation, approval be given to an increase of the value of contracts to be allocated via the DPS from £49 million to a total value of £138.8 million. This revised amount will cover the value of all new contracts allocated until the expiry date of the contracts up to 31st august 2029. 2. authority be delegated to the Director of Planning Transport and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet portfolio Members and directorate budget holders for Education, Childrens and Adults service, to procure and deliver contracts subject to budget being available. 3. Authority be delegated to the Director of Planning Transport and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet portfolio Members and Directorate budget holders for Education, Childrens and Adults service, to award single tender spot contracts outside of the passenger transport DPS up to £30m subject to budget being available for upcoming statutory taxi contracts. This amount covers the period that the contracts are potentially in place until 31st august 2029. 4. It be noted that if the budget requirement exceeds the current allocation available having considered the availability of external funding or in year efficiencies then this will need to be brought back to Cabinet for approval as part of the budget setting process. 5. It be noted that a further report be brought to Cabinet once further changes take place in the wider funding context such as changes to BES etc. are understood.
RESOLVED – The public be excluded for this part of the meeting as the Committee discuss information which is confidential and exempt from publication as contained in paragraph 14 of Part 4 and paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Action 1972. The public may be excluded from the meeting by resolution of the Committee pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during discussion of this item. The Chairperson then opened the debate on this item. Members were invited to comment, seek clarification or raise questions on the information received. Thiediscussions are summarised as follows: · Officers were asked to comment on the age, emissions and general condition of the vehicles used for school transport. Officers stated that different quality standards depending on the classifications of the vehicles. Tendering companies are required to meet those standards in order to join the approve list of contractors. Vehicle age limits are specified and discussions are ongoing with contractors with a view to improving their vehicles to Euro 6 emission standards. Members were asked to note that there are a reduced number of contractors bidding for tenders and these are working at capacity in terms of the number of vehicles available. Furthermore, some school bus services are provided by public bus companies and these will fall outside of the procurement framework. Services that are procured via the framework will receive a higher score during the tendering process for better quality vehicles. · Members asked whether officers were confident that the services can be provided in the future given the limited number of contractors tendering for contracts. Members were advised that the position is extremely challenging in Cardiff and across Wales. The impact of the Bus Emergency Scheme, where Councils across Wales may be looking to replace public bus services with contracted services, also needs to be factored in. Bus companies have a limited number of drivers available and they are struggling to cover their existing services. These concerns have been raised with Welsh Government. · Members asked whether the new schools being built in the city were being built on established bus routes. Officers stated that consultation is undertaken with colleagues in Planning and Education to ensure that schools have good transport links, including bus services and walking and cycling networks. · Members asked whether the costs of the contracts would reduce in coming years if budgetary pressures such as inflation and fuel costs come down. Members were advised that tendering is undertaken to provide a consistent cost. For example, ALN contracts are 3-year contracts in order to provide stability for the pupils. These include options for inflationary increases. However, it is difficult to reduce a contract price. Because of the dynamic nature of the service both contractors and the Council need to give 1 months notice to end the contract and contractors are able to withdraw from the contact. RESOLVED – That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee to convey any comments, observations and recommendations made during the way forward.
RESOLVED – T H A T the new Public Services Board Well-being Plan be endorsed and approved. Reason for decision Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C236, 27th February, 2023 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2023/24 AND UPDATE 2022/23 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C237, 27th February, 2023 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. No. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. FINAL BUDGET 2023/24 AND MTFP 2023/24 TO 2028/29 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C238, 27th February, 2023 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE CONTRACT AWARD 2023-26 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C260, 16th March, 2023 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL’S COMMUNITY BOUNDARY AREA REVIEW (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C265, 30th March, 2023 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. SERVICE LEVEL ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCE TARGETS TO DELIVER THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL’S ANNUAL DELIVERY PLAN 2023/2024 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. No. C267, 30th March, 2023 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. VALE PUBLIC SERVICES BOARD DRAFT WELL-BEING PLAN 2023-28 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C285, 13th April, 2023 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution. RESPONSE TO THE WELSH GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO “TECHNICAL ADVICE NOTE (TAN) 15: DEVELOPMENT, FLOODING AND COASTAL EROSION” (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C287, 13th April, 2023 (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s Constitution) be noted. Reason for decision The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution.
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: (i) confirm that the decision to agree the Pay Policy Statement constitutes agreement to implement the cost of living pay increases determined by the relevant negotiating body effective from 1st April 2023, as accounted for in the Budget set and agreed by Council on 9th March 2023. (ii) determine that any additional financial implications arising from the national pay agreements determined after this date that cannot be met within the Council’s Revenue Budget will be referred to Council for consideration and decision. approve the attached Pay Policy Statement (2023/24) Appendix 1.