Care for older and disabled people, children's services and safeguarding.
What councils do
Councils arrange care and support for older people, disabled adults and carers, protect children and adults at risk, and look after children in care. Much care is provided by private and charity providers the council pays.
Who decides
The Cabinet member for social services leads, and each council has a statutory Director of Social Services. Scrutiny committees examine how services are doing.
Having a say
Anyone can ask the council for an assessment of their care needs, or of their needs as a carer. If you're worried about someone's safety, contact the council's safeguarding team.
In numbers
Welsh councils plan to spend £1,045 per person on this in 2026-27.
It ranges from £918 in Monmouthshire to £1,337 in Ceredigion.
Children in care: 114 across Wales (2024-25).
Children in care who moved home three or more times: 8% across Wales (2024-25).
Children's assessments done on time: 85% across Wales (2024-25).
Resolved that:
1) The findings of the Public Spaces Protection Order Review be approved.
2) The introduction of a new Public Spaces Protection Order covering Swansea City Centre, Swansea Beachfront and Dyfatty for a period of three years be approved.
3) The extension to the PSPO boundary as shown in Appendix C be approved.
4) The introduction of the revised Order attached at Appendix A be approved.
5) The proposed safeguarding-led enforcement and escalation framework, including the continued exploration of Community Protection Warnings and Community Protection Notices as part of the Council's wider response to persistent anti-social behaviour be noted and endorsed.
6) The extension of the existing PSPO which restricts access to the service lane at the bottom of St Helen’s Road be approved.
7) The Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Economy, Finance and Strategy and Children, Young People and Families, any other relevant Cabinet Member, and the Chief Legal Officer, be authorised to designate officers with enforcement powers.
Cardiff, Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee,
Decided: The committee resolved to exclude the public while it discussed exempt appendices (papers kept confidential under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972). It agreed that the Chair, on its behalf, will write to the Cabinet Member with the committee's observations on the way forward.
Cardiff, Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee,
Decided: Cabinet approved the proposed procurement approach, including market engagement. It delegated authority to the Director of Adult Services, Housing and Communities, in consultation with other named officers and Cabinet Members, to take further decisions on the procurement and contract award within the approved budget.
Decided: Cabinet approved the report for consideration by Full Council. It recommended to Council that recruitment for the Director of Adult Services, Housing and Communities begin.
Decided: Council approved the Social Services Annual Report for 2025/26 and authorised the start of recruitment for the Director of Adult Services, Housing and Communities. The vote was 62 for, none against and no abstentions.
Cardiff, Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee,
Decided: The Committee resolved that the Chair will write to the Cabinet Member, for the Committee, with its comments and observations from the discussion.
Cardiff, Community & Adult Services Scrutiny Committee,
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the updates to the Cabinet Quarterly Work Programme for April to
June 2026 attached at Appendix 1 be agreed.
(2) T H A T the Cabinet Quarterly Work Programme July to September 2026
attached at Appendix 2 be endorsed.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To monitor progress.
(2) To approve the Work Programme for July to September 2026.
C30 CABINET QUARTERLY REPORT - REPORTING MINUTES OF
JOINT COMMITTEES AND COMMITTEES WHERE THE VALE OF
GLAMORGAN COUNCIL IS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY –
NO RELEVANT COMMITTEE) –
The Leader presented the report to make available to all Members the minutes from
various Committees over the period March to June 2026 as requested by
Governance and Audit Committee for ease of reference and for information.
Councillor Wilson, in referring to the minutes of the Cardiff Bay Advisory Committee,
referred to a number of matters considered at the meeting, including a Navigational
Safety and General Progress Report, production of an anniversary book
documenting Cardiff Harbour Authority’s 25th anniversary, discussion regarding
water-taxi services, and updates from Natural Resources Wales and Waterfront
Partners. The next meeting would be taking place in September and would include a
visit to the barrage to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Councillor Williams in referring to the minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel said
the Panel discussed the Pupil Development Grant which was specific to Children
Looked After as there had been concerns as to how processes were working and to
ensure that those children were able to access that finding. He thanked the Officers
concerned for their investigation work and ensuring that processes were now more
robust and those children would be able to access that funding wherever they were
located, including those based out-of-County. It was also noted that the Grant would
be separate from other budgets to ensure it was being spent where it was needed
and not part of more general funding. He looked forward to Cabinet receiving the
minutes from the June meeting that replaced the May date.
The Leader said that the commitment of Officers to ensure that Children Looked
After got the best possible start in life was to be applauded.
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 minutes concerning meetings of Joint Committees and
Committees where the Vale of Glamorgan Council was an active participant from
March to June 2026 be noted.
Reasons for decision
To present to Cabinet a report on a quarterly basis which would provide an overview
of all the Joint Committee Meetings of which the Vale of Glamorgan Council was a
formal member and links to the respective minutes
C31 REVENUE OUTTURN POSITION 2025/26 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY –
RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report to approve the report and the financial measures
taken and proposed.
Throughout the year, the financial position was monitored on an ongoing basis with a
full picture available at the end of year as to how some aspects had changed, where
additional grant funding had been received and where it had been necessary to use
reserves, and would assist as part of future budget-setting activities which would be
resuming for the 2026/27 financial year shortly.
The provisional outturn for 2025/26 had a near balanced position with a net adverse
variance of £47k after £6.7m unplanned use of reserves that offset existing school
deficits, which were not written off, and which would have to be recovered and would
be made available for other services. There was just under £3m of reserves used to
support Council services and a reserve allocation of £7m to create a dedicated
schools’ deficit off-set reserve.
School deficits remained the Council’s most significant financial concern with 32
schools ending the year in deficit with gross deficits totalling £14.3m. 21
schools in a surplus position with surplus balances amounting to £3.47m, leaving an
overall net deficit of £10.827m. Recovery plans were in the process of being
developed with all schools in deficit with further intervention possible should and
deficits be considered irrecoverable, however some schools concerned were working
constructively and making good progress in terms of their deficit figures. The Council
would continue to work with those schools going forward. School transport continued
to be a significant ongoing pressure.
The Social Services Directorate reported a gross overspend of £3.2m mainly due to
increased costs of children’s external placements and bespoke care packages, the
rising demand in in complexity of cases in Adult Services, overspends in residential
and nursing care placements and staffing and agency pressures within Council-run
Care Homes.
In the Environment and Housing Directorate there were overspends in terms of
highway maintenance and pothole repairs, largely due to adverse weather
conditions. Staff were commended for their part in working to redress those issues.
The Council’s usable reserves had reduced from just over £63m down to £58.5m.
The Council Fund balance had reduced from £13m to £11.93m, but still above the
minimum level as set by the Authority’ Section 151 Officer.
Borrowing and investment projects had performed favourably. The Council had set
challenging saving targets of over £8.7m for 2025/26 and 81% of those were
achieved or mitigated.
There would be an opportunity for a more in-depth discussion as the report was
being referred to Resources Scrutiny Committee.
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 reserve reductions made to offset the increased 2025/26 school
deficit position be noted.
(3) T H A T the list of adverse variances set out in the report were discussed.
(4) T H A T savings that had not been achieved in 2025/26 and previous years
were discussed.
(5) T H A T the report be referred to Resources Scrutiny Committee for
consideration.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To approve the report and the financial measures taken and proposed.
(2) To ensure that Members had been consulted on reserve reductions
undertaken to offset school deficits and ensure the sustainability of the financial
position of the Council.
(3) To inform Members of the underlying adverse variances and the need to
address those budget areas in 2026/27.
(4) To make Members aware of the value of savings that had not been achieved
in 2025/26 and in previous financial years and the need to address those budget
areas in 2026/27 through delivery of the savings or mitigation.
(5) To enable the Scrutiny Committee responsible for finance to review the year
end position.
C32 CAPITAL OUTTURN 2025/26 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY – RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report to provide detail on the outturn position for the
Capital Programme 2025/26.
Due to the work carried out cross all Directorates the report noted the current
adjusted Programme of £92.717m, despite continuing challenges including
significant cost increases and shortages of resources. The Capital Programme for
2025/26 out turned at £73.765m, with slippage of just over £17m which would move
over into the 2026/27 Capital Programme.
Investment had taken place on the new school at Ysgol Y Deri, £2.5m Welsh
Government investment in schools maintenance grants that provided repairs to
existing schools including new roofs, toilets, boilers and electrical works.
There had been just investment in Social Services to fund home adaptations such as
stairlifts, level access showers or ramps, which allowed people to continue living
safely and independently in their own homes.
Expenditure within the Housing Revenue Account included work on new build
schemes and also updates and renewing of internal and external aspects of existing
housing stock. Over £4m had been spent on highways maintenance works and the
Welsh Government Brilliant Basics programme grant funded toilet refurbishment for
Cosmeston and Porthkerry parks, meaning that refurbishment had been carried out
on all but one set of public toilets in the Vale of Glamorgan which was programmed
to be brought forward.
The Leader advised that it was proposed for the report to be referred to Resources
Scrutiny Committee and looked forward to the discussion that would take place
there.
Councillor Wilson said that both Officers and external contractors had undertaken a
lot of work as part of the programme. He referred to the slope stabilisation works that
were ongoing at Penarth Marina and would be delivered over the new financial year
as a good example of capital expenditure. Another scheme that had been delivered
was the improved crossing point on Windsor Road, Penarth.
The Leader also referred to the new homes at Cwrt y Chwarel on Coldbrook Road
East in Barry and refurbishment of the warden’s office at Cosmeston which was re-
roofed and had an 18kW PV solar panel array installed.
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 2025/26 be noted.
(2) T H A T the additional scheme budgets as set out in Appendix 1 to the report
be approved.
(3) T H A T the summary position of the changes in the Capital Programme by
directorate from approval at Council on 10th March 2025 to 31st March 2026, as set
out in Appendix 2 to the report, be noted.
(4) T H A T the Emergency Powers in Appendix 3, approved in respect of the
slippage, be noted.
(5) T H A T the 2025/26 Capital Programme be amended to reflect the revised
lease arrangements for 2025/26 that met the threshold for inclusion under IFRS16.
(6) T H A T the report be referred to Resources Scrutiny Committee for
consideration and for any recommendations to be returned to Cabinet for
consideration.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To inform Cabinet of the year end capital position for financial year 2025/26.
(2) To inform Cabinet of the additional schemes added to the approved
programme for 2025/26.
(3) To inform Cabinet of the changes to the Approved Capital Programme set on
10th March 2025.
(4) To advise Cabinet of the approved slippage in the Emergency Powers from
the 2025/26 Capital Programme.
(5) To request approval of the revised Leasing amendments for 2025/26 for
inclusion under the IFRS16 accounting standard.
(6) To enable the Scrutiny Committee responsible for finance to review the year
end position.
C33 ANNUAL TREASURY MANAGEMENT REPORT 2025/26 (EL/PR)
(SCRUTINY – RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report to seek Cabinet acceptance of the annual report on
Treasury Management 2025/26.
During 2025/26 the Council maintained an under borrowed position, with borrowing
of £20.5m split between £16m from the Public Works Loan Board, £3.5m from
another Local Authority and an additional loan of £1m which had been advanced
from the Welsh Government for Town Transformation. Of the borrowing undertaken
£10.000m was in support of capital expenditure for the Housing Revenue Account.
The Council's borrowing requirement increased £11.478m in 2025/26 giving a total
Capital Financing Requirement of £213.634m on 31st March 2026. At the same
date, the Council held £181.871m of Gross External Borrowing and other longer term
debt liability of £3.506m. The Council was therefore under borrowed by £28.257m
as of 31st March 2026. External Borrowing was well within the Authorised Limit and
Operational Boundary set for 2025/26.
The Leader said that the Council continued to have a cautious approach to
investment and the priority was to safeguard and manage investments in-house and
only invest with institutions that met the minimum credit-rating criteria. The total
interest earned on such investments in 2025/26 was just over £2.3m and the total
investment balance at the end of the year was £37.1m.
If agreed, the report would be discussed further at Governance and Audit Committee
before referral to Full Council for final consideration.
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 2025/26 be
accepted and that the report be referred to Governance and Audit Committee prior to
referral to Full Council for final approval. Should Governance and Audit Committee
have no recommendations back to Cabinet, that the report be referred directly to Full
Council for final consideration.
Reason for decision
To accept and refer the report to the Governance and Audit Committee which had
oversight of the Treasury arrangements, prior to referral to Full Council for final
approval as required by regulation.
C34 PHASE 1 WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SULLY PRIMARY
SCHOOL, THROUGH THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES FOR LEARNING
PROGRAMME (EAWL) (SCRUTINY – START WELL) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to seek Cabinet approval to award a
direct contract through the compliant direct award process under the SEWSCAP
Framework (SEWSCAP 4, Lot 3) for Phase 1 works associated with the Sully
Primary School, through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The Leader said that there were currently five schools in progress with eighteen
already having been built. The Capital report on the agenda referred to the
Resources Base at St Cyres which was also one of several that had put in place in
various schools, and it was recognised that the Vale of Glamorgan had one of the
most successful school building programmes in Wales, whether that be as new
builds, re-models or extensions.
Councillor Birch said that the five schools in progress were Ysgol Glyn Derw at
Cosmeston should be completed this year, Sir Richard Gwyn next year for March
2026, Ysgol Bro Morgannwg, Holm View and Sully Primary Schools. She thanked
the Council Officers concerned for the work in bringing forward the programme.
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 use of the SEWSCAP Framework, Lot 3, as a compliant route to
market for the delivery of Phase 1 works at Sully Primary School, be approved.
(2) T H A T Phase 2 proposals remained subject to the identification and approval
of future funding contributions, including Section 106 and Welsh Government
Sustainable Communities for Learning funding.
(3) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer/Head of
Legal and Democratic Services to complete and execute any contracts and any
associated legal documentation on behalf of the Council, in respect of the project
Reasons for decisions
(1) To enable the timely delivery of Phase 1 improvement works at Sully Primary
School in support of the Council’s Sustainable Communities for Learning
Programme, utilising an established and compliant procurement framework which
provided value for money, programme certainty, and reduced procurement
timescales.
(2) To note the longer-term strategic aspirations for the site and future phases of
investment.
(3) To ensure that the necessary legal documentation was in place for the
contract.
C35 OBJECTION REPORT: BENDRICK ROAD, BARRY – PROPOSED
DISABLED PERSONS’ PARKING PLACE TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER (NBS)
(SCRUTINY – PLACE) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to advise Cabinet of an objection received
following the statutory consultation for a proposed Disabled Persons’ Parking Place
on Bendrick Road, Barry.
The Directorate of Environment and Housing worked with the Social Services
Directorate when looking at schemes such as disabled parking bays, with any
objections to proposed schemes considered by Cabinet. A summary of the objection
received and the responses to that objection were contained within the report in
Section 4. It was necessary to balance different interests and consider public safety.
Councillor Wilson emphasised that disabled spaces were not for the exclusive use of
an individual but for anyone with the relevant permission to use them, and there
were a number of such spaces across the Vale of Glamorgan dependent on need.
The Leader said it was difficult when dealing with existing parking pressures in an
area but also important to consider those with mobility issues.
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 having considered the objection received in relation to this report, the
implementation of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order for a Disabled Persons’
Parking Place on Bendrick Road, Barry be approved.
(2) T H A T the objector be notified of Cabinet’s decision.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To ensure Cabinet fulfilled its statutory duty to consider the objection and
relevant evidence prior to determining whether the Traffic Regulation Order should
be made.
(2) To ensure transparency, procedural fairness and effective communication by
formally notifying objectors of Cabinet’s decision and the reasons for it.
C36 PENCOEDTRE PARK (NBS/LSW) (SCRUTINY – PLACE) –
The Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services presented the report
to Cabinet which recommended a series of delegations to support the delivery of
projects awarded funding by Welsh Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund,
including an upgrade to the existing splash pad, construction a new skate park, and
construction of a new toilet block with changing facilities.
The Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Well-being added that the splash pad
had provided enjoyment for children across the local wards but needed
improvement. Pride in Place Impact Funding had been awarded to support those
improvements. It was anticipated that the construction would be a minimum of 16
weeks, therefore work would need to commence on site by the end of October / early
November to ensure completion by March 2027.
Councillor Wilson then invited comments from two of the local Members.
Councillor Brooks said that refurbishment of the free of charge and safe splash pad
had been looked at for a number of years. The skate park required updating and the
community had requested access to a toilet block nearer to where the children
played for years, and it was so positive to see that request being actioned as part of
the proposals. The site would have a water re-fill station also. Pencoedtre park was
located in the Court ward but also served Gibbonsdown and Cadoc and would
benefit the residents of those Lower Layer Super Output Areas, as well as thew
wider Vale of Glamorgan.
Councillor Perkes was mindful of how well-used the splash pad was and was
pleased that work would take place over the autumn so the free facility would be
open for summer 2027. Having the investment at Pencoedtre Park was important for
both the local and wider communities and would serve a wide range of users from
across several age groups.
Councillor Wilson thanked the local Members for their comments.
The Leader said it was hoped that the local community would get involved to assist
with painting the play area which was still in a good condition and supported by a
further play area and multi-use games areas at Palmerston nearby. A new skate
park was also opening at Cowbridge, alongside the parks already in place at Cogan,
the Richard Taylor skate park at the Knap and Dinas Powys. It was hoped that an
upgrade to the skate park at Llantwit Major once funding could be found.
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 arrangements and progress being made in respect of the
Pencoedtre Park projects be endorsed.
(2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for
Performance and Resources, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building
Services, Chief Executive, Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring
Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services to procure and appoint
contractors/suppliers as may be required to achieve project delivery, subject to
funding.
(3) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing in liaison with the Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer to accept the
preferred tender(s) and approve the letting of the works contract(s) associated with
the project, following the completion of the tender process.
(4) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for
Performance and Resources, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building
Services, Chief Executive, Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring
Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services to direct award contracts where
necessary, subject to a compliant procurement process.
(5) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing to submit a planning application(s) and building regulations application for
the project by virtue of either Regulation 3 or Regulation 4 of The Town and Country
Planning General Regulations 1992 (As Amended), if required.
(6) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer/Head of
Legal and Democratic Services to complete and execute any contracts and any
associated legal documentation on behalf of the Council, in respect of those projects.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To obtain endorsement from for the project from Cabinet for the current
position regarding the project and funding from Welsh Government.
(2) To enable the procurement process for the Pencoedtre Park Project to
progress efficiently and to support the timely delivery of the project.
(3) To obtain authority to let the works contract and for the project to be delivered
in a timely manner.
(4) To obtain authority to allow delivery of the project within funding timelines.
(5) To obtain authority to submit planning application(s) and building regulation
application (s) for the project.
(6) To authorise the Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services to
execute the contract and associated legal documentation on behalf of the Council in
accordance with established governance arrangements.
C37 DECARBONISATION AND ENERGY DATA CONSULTANT
FRAMEWORK AWARD FOR HOUSING (PSHTE) (SCRUTINY – PLACE) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to set out the rationale for a programme
of energy surveys and data collection across the Council’s housing stock, as the
Housing Service progressed towards meeting the Welsh Housing Quality Standard
(WHQS) 2023 and the pathway to WHQS 2026.
Councillor Wilson said the initiative was an example where both Portfolio holders
worked closely together with Officers and the information gathered would evidence
how the properties performed and to maximise efficiency.
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 contents of the report be noted, with a view to taking
decisions on the award of the contract detailed within the Part II report later on the
agenda.
Reasons for decision
To update Cabinet on the strategy in meeting the first part of the WHQS’23 and to
consider approval regarding the procurement of the PAS2035 surveyors and
installation of data terminals (PAS 2035 was the overarching British Standard for
retrofitting dwellings to improve energy efficiency and included various stages, the
first of which was to survey the existing building).
C38 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC –
RESOLVED – T H A T under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972,
the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business
on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined
in Part 4 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Act, the relevant paragraphs of the
Schedule being referred to in brackets after the minute heading.
C39 DECARBONISATION AND ENERGY DATA CONSULTANT
FRAMEWORK AWARD FOR HOUSING (PSHTE) (EXEMPT INFORMATION –
PARAGRAPHS 12, 12A AND 14) (SCRUTINY – PLACE) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to set out the rationale for a programme
of energy surveys and data collection across the Council’s housing stock, as the
Housing Service progressed towards meeting the Welsh Housing Quality Standard
(WHQS) 2023 and the pathway to WHQS 2026.
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 award of the framework contract for the PAS 2035 retrofit
surveys, air leakage tests and environmental sensors to 2,000 Council homes to
‘LivGreen’, Bristol be awarded.
(2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing and Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services, in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Sector Housing and Tenant
Engagement to Direct Award the contract.
(3) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer/Head of
Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with Head of Finance/Section 151
Officer to finalise, complete and execute a RICS Standard Form Contract with
LivGreen, Bristhe contract and all ancillary documentation necessary to give effect to
Resolution (2).
Reasons for decisions
(1) To comply with the Council's Contract Standing Orders and Financial
Procedure Rules, which required contracts with a value in excess of £300k to be
agreed by Cabinet.
(2) To enable the contract documentation to be finalised with the successful
contractor, within the tight timeframe for allocation and delivery of the project within
the financial year.
(3) To ensure that the necessary legal documentation was in place for the
contract.
Decided: The Committee agreed that the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, will write to the Cabinet Member with the Committee's observations from the discussion on the way forward.
RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the hearing in accordance with paragraph 14 of the Licensing Act (Hearings) Regulations 2005, to enable the Sub-Committee to take legal advice.
(CLOSED SESSION)
Members discussed the issues relating to the application.
(OPEN SESSION)
The Lawyer advising the Sub-Committee gave a comprehensive overview of the legal advice tendered.
The Chair indicated that the Sub-Committee had considered the application and representation made and the needs and interests of all parties in terms of the Council’s Statements of Licensing Policy, statutory guidance and the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.
The Sub‑Committee RESOLVED TO GRANT the application for a new premises licence as modified, subject to:
• Conditions consistent with the operating schedule (Appendix C),
• Mandatory conditions under the Licensing Act 2003, and
• The following modification:
Live Music
Friday & Saturday 1900- 2300
Recorded Music
Monday – Sunday 0900 - 2330
Supply of Alcohol
Monday - Sunday 1100 – 2330
1. No off sales are permitted at the premises.
2. An incident recording book, bound in numerical order, shall be maintained at the premises showing details of the date and time of all assaults, injuries, accidents or ejections, as well as details of the members of staff involved, the nature of the incident and the action/outcome. The book must be kept available for inspection by the Police and authorised officers of the Licensing Authority.
3. Comprehensive recordable CCTV system will be installed and maintained covering the trade areas whilst encompassing all ingress and egress to the premises. The system must continually record whilst the premises is open for licensable activities and during all times when customers remain at the premises. The system must be capable of providing pictures of evidential quality, in particular facial recognition. All recordings must be stored for a minimum period of 31 days with date and time. Recordings must be made available immediately upon the request of a Police or Authorised Officer.
4. The premises to keep up to date records of staff training and refresher training in respect of age-related sales including proxy sales to persons who are drunk and identifying and preventing drug misuse in written or electronic format available for inspection on request by an authorised officer.
5. The capacity of the premises will be calculated by way of fire risk assessment and staff to ensure capacity it adhered to at all times.
6. Emergency lighting and fire alarm testing to be recorded and maintained.
7. Structural safety of premises to be maintained.
8. External lighting around premises and in car park and to be maintained at all times.
9. Notices shall be clearly displayed in the premises to emphasise to customers the prohibition on providing sales of alcohol to persons under the age of eighteen years.
10. Notices shall predominantly displayed at all exists requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and leave the area quietly.
11. Notices shall be predominantly displayed in all areas used externally asking patrons to respect the needs of the local residents and use the area quietly.
12. No bottles, shall be moved, removed, or placed in outside areas between 0900 hours and 1800 hours.
13. Outside areas to be kept free of rubbish.
14. A Challenge 25 proof of age scheme shall be operated at the premises where the only acceptable forms of identification shall bear their photograph, date of birth and a holographic mark.
15. A log shall be kept detailing all refused sales of alcohol. The log should include the date and time of the refused sale and the name of the member of staff who refused the sale. The log shall always be available for inspection at the premises by the police or an authorised officer of the Council whilst the premises are open.
16. Key staff members to have undertaken safeguarding training and premises to have a designated safeguarding officer.
17. No adult entertainment is permitted at the premises.
Reasons for Decision
The Sub‑Committee carefully considered the application and operating schedule, the Officer’s report and agenda pack, the written and oral representations from other persons, the oral submissions made on behalf of the applicant, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy, and the Statutory Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.
The Sub‑Committee determined the application on its individual merits with a view to promoting the four licensing objectives.
The Sub‑Committee attached significant weight to the fact that no relevant representations were received from any Responsible Authority, including South Wales Police, licensing, Environmental Health and Trading Standards. Members considered this to be a strong indication that the application did not give rise to concerns of a regulatory nature in respect of the licensing objectives.
The Sub‑Committee carefully considered the written and oral representations from residents. These included concerns regarding noise nuisance, particularly from music and the use of the balcony area, late‑night bottling out, anti‑social behaviour, the potential change in the nature of the premises and increased use by the public, together with issues relating to traffic, parking and highway safety.
The Sub‑Committee recognised these concerns as genuinely held. However, Members noted that certain matters raised, including parking, traffic conditions and behaviour beyond the premises, are not licensable matters or are beyond the control of the premises licence holder and therefore cannot be determinative of the application. These matters were nevertheless considered insofar as they related to the licensing objectives.
The Sub‑Committee placed considerable weight on the evidence and assurances provided by the applicant. Members noted that the premises is a long‑established golf club and that the intention of the application is not to fundamentally alter the nature of the premises but to modernise its licensing arrangements and support its ongoing viability.
The Sub‑Committee noted that the applicant acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and had taken steps to address them, including agreeing to a voluntary modification to restrict bottling out to between 09:00 and 18:00 hours, and confirming that a clear point of contact would be available for local residents.
The Sub‑Committee further noted the measures in place to promote the licensing objectives, including the provision of comprehensive CCTV coverage, the operation of a Challenge 25 policy and staff training in relation to age‑restricted sales, safeguarding arrangements including designated safeguarding officers, a course marshal system, incident recording procedures and general responsible management practices.
Members were satisfied that these measures, together with the conditions attached to the licence and the agreed modification, were appropriate and proportionate to address the concerns raised.
In particular, the Sub‑Committee was satisfied that the prevention of crime and disorder would be promoted through the presence of CCTV, trained staff and established management practices. Public safety would be promoted through structured safety and safeguarding arrangements. The prevention of public nuisance would be addressed through the restriction on bottling out, together with conditions relating to noise control and the use of external areas; and the protection of children from harm would be ensured through the Challenge 25 policy, staff training and safeguarding measures.
Accordingly, the Sub‑Committee concluded that the concerns raised by residents could be appropriately mitigated by the conditions attached to the licence together with the agreed modification. Members were satisfied that those measures were necessary and proportionate to promote the licensing objectives.
In light of the absence of Responsible Authority objections, the applicant’s engagement and willingness to mitigate concerns, and the robustness of the proposed conditions and operating schedule, the Sub‑Committee determined that the grant of the premises licence, as modified, would promote the licensing objectives.
The Sub‑Committee therefore resolved to grant the application.
Right of Appeal
Any party to the decision has the right to appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of receipt of the formal decision notice.
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.