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1 ATTENDANCE Councillors: Rose Seabourne (Chair) Stuart Ashley Alfie Best Catherine Bonera Ron Burnett Nick Byrne Richard Clark (Deputy Leader) Lynda Clarkson Liam Cowles Fiona Cross David Daniels Giles Davies Steven Evans Joanne Gauden Karl Gauden Elizabeth Haynes Jon Horlor Nick Horler Anthony Hunt (Leader) Gaynor James Jon James Janet Jones Mark Jones Peter Jones Stuart Keyte Rosemary Matthews Susan Morgan Jason O’Connell Amanda Owen Norma Parrish Caroline Price Nicholas Simons Alan Slade Chris Tew Colette Thomas David Thomas Jayne Watkins David Williams Lucy Williams Nathan Yeowell Officers: Louise Day, Communications Manager Robert Green, Head of Financial Services Rebecca Fahey-Jones, Team Leader Scrutiny Delyth Harries, Monitoring Officer and Assistant Chief Legal Officer Neil Jones, Head of Communications, Elections and Civil Contingencies Dave Leech, Strategic Director, Adults and Communities Andrew Lovegrove, Strategic Director Resources Robert Green, Head of Financial Services Jason Lewis, Director Corporate Services & Head of Democratic Services Dominique Redman, Team Leader Democratic and Member Services Tom Roberts, Business & Democratic Support Services Manager Jason O’Brien, Strategic Director, Children and Family Services Chris Slade, Assistant Democratic and Member Services Team Leader Stephen Vickers, Chief Executive Dave Weaver, Group Finance Officer Others in Attendance: Representatives of Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Local Nature Partnership Representatives of Pontnewydd Primary School Representatives of Torfaen Youth Council X2 members of the press and public
2.1 Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Giles Davies.
3.1 The Monitoring Officer and Assistant Chief Legal Officer (MO&ACLO) referred to Agenda Item 9, Budget 2025-26 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2025/26 and advised members that they would have a personal interest if they were a member of a Community Council. She also referred to Agenda Item 10, County Plan 2022-27: Delivery Plan 2025-26 which referred to Community Councils, namely Blaenavon, Pontypool and Cwmbran and she advised members of those community councils that they would also have a personal interest in relation to this item. The following members confirmed their personal interests: Nick Byrne Lynda Clarkson Jon Horler Gaynor James Jon James Rosemary Matthews Caroline Price Nicholas Simons Stuart Ashley David Thomas Peter Jones Sue Morgan Ron Burnett Colette Thomas David Williams Liam Cowles 3.2 The MO&ACLO referred to Agenda Item 14, Pay Policy Statement 2025 and advised members that they would have a personal and prejudicial interest if they had a close personal associate who worked for the local authority. She explained that the Pay Policy covered Shared Resource Service (SRS), but it did not cover teachers or support staff. The following members confirmed their personal and prejudicial interests: Councillors: Janet Jones Alan Slade Jayne Watkins Joanne Gauden Colette Thomas Rose Seabourne 3.3 The MO&ACLO explained that Councillor Stuart Ashley, Deputy Presiding Member would Chair the meeting for Agenda Item 16, Pay Policy Statement 2025, as the Presiding Member has a prejudicial interest. She also advised that all officers should leave the meeting for this agenda item as the content of the report concerned them. Members agreed that Jason Lewis, Director – Corporate Services, and Democratic Services Officers namely Dominique Redman and Chris Slade who were assisting with the operation of the meeting could remain for this item.
4.1 Council confirmed the minutes of the Council meeting held on 21 January 2025 as an accurate record.
5.1 Council noted the action sheet.
6.1 There were no petitions.
7.1 There were no public questions.
8.1 The Leader: • Welcomed Councillor Stuart Keyte who had recently won the by-election to serve as councillor for the Trevethin & Penygarn ward alongside Councillor Jon Horlor. • Referred to the positive case study produced by Estyn on Torfaen Council and the effective practices following the most recent inspection. He informed council that this had been published on Estyn’s website, and he further commented that publishing effective practice was a great way of sharing information, knowledge and learning. • Referred to the new park and ride facility at Pontypool and New Inn Railway Station which opened last Friday. He informed council that the facility includes 129 general spaces, 11 accessible parking bays, motorcycle bays, secure bike spaces and drop off bays, a new footbridge, and lifts suitable for wheelchairs and bikes. He stated that the project had been funded by Cardiff Capital Region, Welsh Government and the council, and it was one of the first to be completed as part of the Cardiff Capital Region Metro Plus scheme to create a South Wales Metro system. The work also included: - Improvements to the platform and seating area - Improved CCTV and lighting - New customer information systems and help point He hoped the new facility would encourage more people to use the station, leading to an increase in train services. • Referred to the COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2025 which was a UK-wide Day of Reflection which would take place on Sunday 9 March 2025, and was one of the ten recommendations set out by the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration. He explained that, to mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic, people across the UK were invited to come together to remember and reflect on the unique period of history as well as their own experiences. The day will be an opportunity for the public to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic, reflect on the sacrifices made and the impact on daily lives, and pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers, and all of those who volunteered and showed acts of kindness during this unprecedented time. He stated that the council would also help a local support group mark International Long Covid Awareness Day on the 15th of March by lighting up the civic centre in teal. He informed council that the support group meets at Pontypool Active Living Centre twice a month. • Welcomed the Head Boy and Head Girl of Pontnewydd Primary School to receive a Civic Award on behalf of the school in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the completion of the Tiny Forest Project, dedicated in memory of their late Headteacher, Kerry Waters who sadly passed away in October 2024. He explained that during December pupils from Nursery through to year 6, their parents and family members planted trees alongside the teachers, governors, players from Newport County Football Club, the Dragons Rugby Club and businesses from the local community. The new area within the school grounds which had 600 trees was being built with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project would enable the children to have more lessons in nature. • Welcomed Steve Williams who many knew from his former ecological role at the Council before his retirement, who was accepting a Civic Award on behalf of the Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Local Nature Partnership in recognition of their 25 years working together for the benefit of the community. He explained that across 25 years, the partnership had worked tirelessly to improve nature throughout the borough including holding the annual Go Wild event for many of those years, giving people the chance to celebrate local nature. During the past five years, they had benefitted from funding from Local Places for Nature and, in that time, had planted thousands of trees, created hedgerows and orchards, encouraged a change in roadside verge management and supported community groups to create gardens and other spaces for nature. He further commented that this year also saw Wales reflecting on and celebrating 10 years of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, and the Local Nature Partnership was an excellent example of how different organisations and individuals could collaborate to achieve a common goal. He thanked Steve who continued to be actively involved in the partnership – along with many others who volunteer their time to this important cause and also thanked Veronika Brannovic who is the Partnership Co-ordinator and had been a member for over 20 years. • Welcomed members of Pontypool Youth Council who gave a presentation on their Twinning Experience in Paris which took place during the summer of 2024. He thanked Community Councils for supporting Twinning Experiences which offered valuable opportunities for young children. 8.2 The Deputy Leader congratulated members of Pontypool Youth Council on their presentation, recognising that it was not easy to stand in the Chamber and present to Members. He commented on the fantastic opportunities involved in the twinning experience, particularly on the approach to the 80th Anniversary of the War in Europe. 8.3 8.4 As Leader of Pontypool Community Council, Councillor Gaynor James commented around the amazing opportunities for young children to visit European countries, and she congratulated Members of Pontypool Youth Council. Other members commented on how refreshing it was to see young children in the Chamber and encouraged future engagement with young children. 8.5 The Chief Executive praised the fast thinking and actions of employee Brian Moylan who was a member of the Waste Team. He explained that in early January Peter Scott, former Headteacher of Abersychan Comprehensive School had a heart attack when visiting a local post office. Brian had recently completed a first aid refresher course, and with help from other crew members who ran out of the post office to alert Brain of the emergency, Brian was confident enough to carry out CPR for around 20 minutes until the ambulance arrived and he was told that the CPR had saved Peter’s life. Peter had now met Brian and the team who had been shocked by the experience. The Chief Executive praised the work of the crew more broadly and he thanked them for stepping up in the emergency. Council applauded Brian and the team and thanked them for their involvement in saving Peter’s life.
9.1 The Strategic Director Resources (SDR) outlined the report which sought approval of: • The revenue budget for 2025/26 • The level of Council Tax for 2025/26 • The Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2026/27 to 2029/30 (MTFP) • The Virement Policy • The Reserves Policy • The Capital & Treasury Management Strategy, including the Prudential Indicators 9.2 The SDR commented as follows: • He thanked Cabinet and all other members for their full engagement throughout the budget setting process for 25/26, and Nigel Aurelius for the smooth transition of S151 Officer prior to his retirement. • The budget was a whole council activity including the Executive Team, Leadership, and senior management who had been fully inversed in the process. • As a Marmot Council the budget was focused on ensuring that the council spent money in support of the Marmot Principles, and in delivering the County Plan. • The budget setting process was an ongoing task that started last March, and at the time, the MTFP showed that over four years the gap was in excess of £35million. He was pleased to report that the council had a balanced budget for 2025/26 presented to them today, and the gap for the next four years showed an improvement and was just over £9million. • The recommended budget included an increase in council tax which was one of the lowest in Wales. • The council operated several schemes to help with low-income households and residents were encouraged to get in touch should they require any support. • It was important for residents to pay their council tax in a timely manner as this paid for frontline services. • The Settlement from Welsh Government was welcomed and was more than originally planned. There was still further work to do with MTFP to bridge the gap and this work was ongoing. • The Children’s Services Transition Plan was one of the significant challenges that faced the council. This was a significant piece of work to review and improve the way that the council supported families and young people. The current cost pressures would continue for a while longer, and the budget presumed the use of earmarked reserves to bridge the gap, however, there was confidence that the changes could be made and that the budget could be bought back into balance on an ongoing basis. • With reference to the Capital Programme, there had been investment in schools, highways, recycling, Greenmeadow Farm, the Civil Facilities Grants and contributions to the Cardiff Capital Region. • As S151 Officer, there was a need for him to be satisfied that the level of reserves were appropriate, and that the assumptions used to set the budget were robust and appropriate. • The current reserve levels were higher than predicted in the MTFP a year ago, and the papers showed an expectation of some moderate use of reserves during the coming years, but he was still comfortable that the predicted use of reserves and the balances were appropriate. • It was important that the council did not become complacent and that it delivered the planned savings as they were mapped out in the budget. It was also important that council tax was paid and collected and that the council continued to recognise the managed risks it faced, however, he was comfortable that the budget being presented was deliverable and appropriate. The Leader commented as follows: • Section 3.3 of the report outlined how the budget process for 2025/26 was started 12 months ago, where a funding gap of almost £20million was forecasted. Work had been undertaken to bridge that gap through efficiency savings, reorganising the way things were done, and always putting services and protecting the front line first. He thanked all Cabinet and Scrutiny members for their input into the process, and he valued the approach taken by scrutiny as it gave members the opportunity to examine the proposals at the estimates stage in the autumn, as well as at the draft savings stage in the New Year. • The settlement of 4.8% had made a huge difference, giving the council over £7m extra to invest in local services and keep bills down. This hadn’t made things easy, however, it meant that the council could re-invest efficiency savings in key priorities, including schools, social care, transforming children’s services and repairing roads. • Paragraph 3.15 of the report outlined the key priorities that the budget delivered on, including an increase to the school budget comprising funding of £5.4m to schools; the second tranche of funding for the expansion of Crownbridge Special School; further investment in schools related ALN support and funding for demand pressures with School Transport and ALN; funding to recognise the impact on Social Care providers of a 5% increase in the Real Living Wage which provides for pressures associated with commissioned care services; extra funding to Adult Social Care to maintain services at levels of demand of around 1,030 clients; extra funding to help Children’s Services with their transformation plan; £385,000 for waste services and £227,000 for waste education and enforcement, to help keep recycling rates improve and maintain fortnightly bin collections; £250,000 to continue the school leaver employment/apprentice scheme; extra funding towards the Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme which was currently helping 9,426 households across Torfaen; and extra funding for highways repairs over the next two years which recognised the public desire for investment in road surfaces. • He referred to some of the services that the council provided that had not been highlighted in the budget report: • There were no council car parking charges. • The council had retained two weekly residual bin collections for the coming year, whilst working hard to drive up recycling and reducing waste. • The Council Tax Reduction Scheme was 100% and helped almost 10,000 households across the borough. • The Play service brightened up the lives of so many young people and their families, especially those with additional needs or disabilities. • Libraries were open, and work to invest in them was ongoing. • Work was ongoing to keep bills down and to protect local services. The council was making changes, driving efficiencies, taking difficult decisions and protecting front line services. There were no closures of facilities or cutbacks to core services in the budget. • Thanks to members, schools had been one of the top funding priorities in recent years, with funding in the budget being up by £6.7million which would help keep teachers and support staff to help young people learn and thrive. • Despite the huge amount of work done by the 21st Century Schools Programme, there was further work to do in high schools and, alongside the Deputy Leader, he would continue to work with Welsh Government to do everything in his power to invest in facilities in the future. • Like every other council across the UK, roads were in need of investment. With help from Welsh Government, work would start on an unprecedented programme of investment in the council’s roads, concentrating on the local roads within the council’s communities. An extra £3m would be invested over the next two years, on top of the previously agreed increase in funding to fix roads. This didn’t mean that every road would be repaired immediately, but it was a positive, pragmatic and realistic plan to make a real difference. • Older residents or those with disabilities or illnesses relied on social care services and an extra £1m would be invested in these services. Adult Services have also been protected from having to make damaging cuts to services. • Around £500,000 of additional Housing Support Grant has been allocated, including to help pay the real living wage in commissioned services, to increase funding for young people facing homelessness and to better support those with complex needs. • Children’s Services were working on a transformation plan, to deliver better outcomes for those young people and to make the service more sustainable in the long term. The budget delivered the investment that’s needed to deliver those improvements. • Work was ongoing with residents to recycle more and waste less. The extra investment would help deliver this plan whilst keeping residual collections fortnightly. • An extra £250,000 was being invested to continue the council’s school leaver apprenticeship scheme, giving jobs to young people. This recognised the need to train up the next generation of local service works to keep vital services running. • The proposed Council Tax rise of 4.95% was currently the second lowest proposed rise in Wales, following on from the lowest or equal lowest in Wales over the past three years. Torfaen now had the fifth lowest council tax in Wales. The Council Tax Reduction Scheme was one of the most generous schemes in the UK, which helped nearly 10,000 households in Torfaen. Discussion ensued and in the main members commended the budget setting process. In response to questions and comments by members, the following main points were made: • Freezing council tax was a short-term decision that cost more in the long run. Councils that had frozen council tax had been forced into much higher rises in the following years, often double digits, which resulted in vital services being slashed or closed. • The budget continued to provide over £380k to community groups, venues and charities who delivered against the council’s objectives of the County Plan through the council’s Third Sector Major Grants Programme. Over 200 sports qualifications were delivered to people in Torfaen, and £3.3million had been invested in the Shared Prosperity Fund 2025/26 in addition to prevention, support, community grants and commissions with the third sector. • It was pleasing to see targeting towards those in most need such as the continuation of the CTRS, increased budgets for schools and increased capital and revenue funds. It was hoped that the council could be in a position to keep council tax rises low for the long term. • Every effort was being made to meet pressures, and the council had a good track record of doing this whilst keeping council tax as low as possible. 4.95% was the maximum figure in the MTFP. The council would continue work to keep bills as low as possible, however, there was a need to provide a balance and to make the sums add up • There had been investment in services within adult and social care. The increase in council tax enabled investment in children and young people to reconfigure services, and adult services. People were living longer with more complex needs and there was a need to invest to save. The 5% increase for social care providers to enable them to pay the real living wage would keep people in the sector. • Conscious decisions had been made to put schools at the front of the agenda and funding pot. Budgets received for schools were virtually ‘passported’ to them. Children’s Services was important and there was no doubt that there was a financial pressure, however, the council had continued to protect the children that it was responsible for. The long-term outcome of looking at what the council provided and how it was provided, would result in a leaner, more efficient focus, and better outcomes for children. • The whole authority effort in the budget setting process achieved maximum levels of efficiency and economy. Environmental services had worked collaboratively in the past year by prioritising and doing their best to deliver services under real pressures. • Capital Funding for the British was existing funding. • Bulking and Bailing was an ongoing process as part of the revenue budget. • On page 165 under Asset Maintenance in 29/30, there was a ‘1’ missing off the core capital, the figure should read £1,460,000. • Whilst members of the public didn’t want a council tax rise, there had been overwhelming support for funding in areas such as schools, highways and social care. It was difficult to meet the overwhelming desire for investment whilst not raising revenue. The Leader commented as follows: • It was important for the council to invest in the roads and footpaths within communities and local environments in a sustainable way. • It was important to recognise the impact of the council’s decisions on the most vulnerable members of the community. The council provided a number of visible services, however, a number of confidential services were also provided and without these services, vulnerable members of the community may not be able to live independently and their lives could be transformed in a negative way. • The council had to think long term, and think about what could be done to intervene earlier to stem the rise in demand for acute services. There was also a need to think about staffing in terms of sustainability. Across local government there were more vacancies than ever and more of an issue with retention of staff, particularly in some areas. There was a need to look to the long term and consider what could be done to ensure that the people of the future could provide these services. • The track record of the council in terms of council tax should be recognised. The increase of 1.95% two years in a row, and 4.95% now for two years in a row if this budget was passed. There was more work to do, however, every effort was made to do things in a sustainable way. It was recognised that an increase of 4.95% was not easy for local people, however, in other areas council tax had increased by as much as 10%. The council could not use reserves to plug the gap, sustainability was important, and the council had not dipped in to reserves to make things look better because people would pay for that in the longer run. The council was not prepared to be reckless with people’s services or with council tax levels. • It was important to get figures out to schools as quickly as possible so that they could set their budgets for the next year. The figures of £100,000 on average extra for each primary school and £440,000 extra for each high school would help to keep staff in schools. • It was important to look to the long term in terms of Children’s Services to achieve sustainability and better outcomes for children. Considering how this could be done whilst also driving change was a key balance to make as a council. • This budget was the result of a whole authority effort. The collaborative work with Blaenau Gwent was ongoing and savings would be made where possible from the top and not from the frontline. Efforts were being made to be transformative in the way that things were done and to get to the forefront of change in order to deliver a better future. • He recognised the pressure on staff who were hugely committed to the public they served even though workloads had risen and their pay in real terms had decreased by 20% over the last 15 years. He paid tribute to the staff that worked in and with the council. • The council recognised that things were tough, and it could help by investing in key services that could keep communities strong and give people the best chance for the future, whilst keeping costs down. • The scrutiny process was a worthwhile process, and going to scrutiny whilst putting estimates together, and again after receiving the draft budget from Welsh Government, gave members the opportunity to look at the choices that could be made as a council before any final decisions were made. • He defended the right of all members to ask questions, and he welcomed the valid questions asked about the Capital Programme, which he felt was important for councillors to scrutinise. • He thanked members for their comments and questions. 9.3 Council agreed, with the majority voting in favour, that: Part 1 – Revenue Budget 2025/26 and Medium-Term Financial Plan • The budget for 2025/26 and the Medium-Term Financial Plan, as set out in Appendices 1-5 to this report, are approved. Part 2 – Statutory Council Tax Resolutions • It is noted that at its December 2024 meeting, Cabinet approved the following amounts for the year 2025/26 in accordance with regulations made under Section 33(5) of the Local Government Act 1992 (as amended): a) 34,580 being the amount calculated by the Council in accordance with regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Wales) Regulations 1995 (as amended), as its Council Tax base for the year. b) The Council Tax base estimate for each Community Council levy for 2025/26 is as follows: Community Council Area Council Tax Base Cwmbran 14,037 Pontypool 13,213 Blaenavon 1,969 Henllys 1,152 Croesyceiliog & Llanyrafon 3,474 Ponthir 735 c) Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent proposes the following amounts in precept issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 1992 for each banding of dwellings: A B C D E F G H I £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ 251.54 293.46 335.39 377.31 461.16 545.00 628.85 754.62 880.39 • The following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2025/26 in accordance with Section 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992: a) £351,242,299 – being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(2) (a) to (e) of the Act. b) £100,945,486 – being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(3) (a) to (c) of the Act. c) £250,296,813 – being the amount by which the aggregate at (iii) (a) above exceeds the aggregate at (iii) (b) calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the year. d) £89,000 – being the amount the Authority estimates in relation to Section 37 and 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 (as amended), discretionary non-domestic rate relief. e) £192,215,585 – being the aggregate of the sums the Council estimates will be payable for the year into its Council Fund in respect of the redistribution of Non-Domestic Rates and Revenue Support Grant. f) £1,682.19 - being the amount at (iii)(c) above plus the amount at (iii)(d) and less the amount at (iii)(e) above all divided by the amount at (ii)(a) above calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year. g) £1,897,502 - being the amount of all special items referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act. h) £1,627.32 - being the amount at (iii) (f) above less the result given by dividing the amount at (iii) (g) above by the amount at (ii) (a), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special item relates. i) The County Borough Tax including Community Council Precepts Valuation Bands for 2025/26. A £ B £ C £ D £ E £ F £ G £ H £ I £ Cwmbran 1,117.79 1,304.08 1,490.39 1,676.68 2,049.28 2,421.87 2,794.47 3,353.36 3,912.25 Pontypool 1,123.98 1,311.31 1,498.64 1,685.97 2,060.63 2,435.29 2,809.95 3,371.94 3,933.93 Blaenavon 1,154.53 1,346.94 1,539.37 1,731.79 2,116.64 2,501.47 2,886.32 3,463.58 4,040.84 Henllys 1,107.33 1,291.88 1,476.44 1,660.99 2,030.10 2,399.20 2,768.32 3,321.98 3,875.64 Croesyceiliog & Llanyrafon 1,114.99 1,300.82 1,486.66 1,672.49 2,044.16 2,415.82 2,787.48 3,344.98 3,902.48 Ponthir 1,110.53 1,295.62 1,480.71 1,665.80 2,035.98 2,406.15 2,776.33 3,331.60 3,886.87 Being the amounts given by multiplying the amount at (iii)(f) above by the number which in the properties set out in Section 5 (1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which is that proportion applicable to dwellings listed in Valuation band D calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuations bands. j) Having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts (ii)(c) and (iii)(i) above the Council in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the Council Tax for the year 2025/26 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below: A £ B £ C £ D £ E £ F £ G £ H £ I £ Cwmbran 1,369.33 1,597.54 1,825.78 2,053.99 2,510.44 2,966.87 3,423.32 4,107.98 4,792.64 Pontypool 1,375.52 1,604.77 1,834.03 2,063.28 2,521.79 2,980.29 3,438.80 4,126.56 4,814.32 Blaenavon 1,406.07 1,640.40 1,874.76 2,109.10 2,577.80 3,046.47 3,515.17 4,218.20 4,921.23 Henllys 1,358.87 1,585.34 1,811.83 2,038.30 2,491.26 2,944.20 3,397.17 4,076.60 4,756.03 Croesyceiliog & Llanyrafon 1,366.53 1,594.28 1,822.05 2,049.80 2,505.32 2,960.82 3,416.33 4,099.60 4,782.87 Ponthir 1,362.07 1,589.08 1,816.10 2,043.11 2,497.14 2,951.15 3,405.18 4,086.22 4,767.26 Part 3 – Related plans and assessments • The Reserves Policy, as set out in Appendix 6, is approved. • The Virement Policy, as set out in Appendix 7, is approved. • The assessment of equality and wellbeing in Appendix 9 be noted. Part 4 – Capital & Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators The Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators, as outlined in Appendix 8, are approved.
10.1 The Chief Executive outlined the report which presented the County Plan Delivery Plan 2025-26 (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) for approval and adoption by Council. The plan outlined the Council’s commitments for delivering the County Plan during the 2025-26 financial year. 10.2 10.3 The Executive Member, Corporate Governance & Resources, commented as follows: • The report proposed Torfaen’s Delivery Plan 2025/26 for approval by Council. • Since adopting the County Plan in December 2022, the council had produced and published an Annual Delivery Plan for each financial year. This would continue throughout the lifespan of the County Plan, highlighting the key activities planned for the financial year ahead. • Appendix 1 set out the latest Annual Delivery Plan describing planned activity that could be used to assess progress during the year ahead. • As had been done in previous iterations of the Plan, its publication sat alongside the annual budget as it did through the scrutiny process more closely aligning the council’s services and financial planning. • The scrutiny process was extremely useful in helping to fine tune the final product being presented to council today, particularly in ensuring that the Delivery Plan was clear to all members, staff and residents regarding the council’s commitment as it aimed to further strengthen accountability across the council. • The basket of activities, milestones and performance measures described within the proposed 25/26 Delivery Plan aimed to bring to life the council’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of those who lived and worked in Torfaen using the budget available. • He was happy to recommend the Plan to council for approval. Members welcomed the opportunity for Cross Cutting Overview & Scrutiny Committee to scrutinise the County Plan Delivery Plan and commented that it was pleasing to see acknowledgement of the key points and inclusion of them in the forward plan. Members hoped that this process continued going forward. 10.4 Council unanimously agreed to approve the Council’s delivery plan for 2025-26, aligning its key activity with the Council’s agreed budget for the year ahead.
11.1 The Head of Communications, Elections and Civic Contingencies (HoCE&CC) outlined the report with sought approval for the council’s commitment to embedding the principles of the Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy into its culture, policies, and operational practises. He explained that by adopting this Charter and honouring its principles it would provide the council with a basis to support bereaved families and the community in the aftermath of a major incident. It also highlighted the council’s commitment to becoming more people-focused and to providing services that meet people’s needs before, during and after an incident. 11.2 Council welcomed the report and the principles outlined in the Charter. 11.3 Council unanimously agreed to approve the adoption of the Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy and to honour its principles.
12.1 The Business & Democratic Support Services Manager (B&DSSM) outlined the report which provided Council with a proposed protocol for facilitating public speaking at scrutiny committee meetings. 12.2 12.3 Members commented in favour of the report and felt that frank conversations with members of the public would strengthen the scrutiny process. Reference was made to the Youth Forum, and members recognised the benefits of actively encouraging the involvement of young people. Some concern was expressed around vetting members of the public attending scrutiny. Members were assured that members of the public would be expected to be respectful and to adhere to the protocol, and if this was not the case, the Chair would be expected to intervene. 12.4 Council unanimously agreed to approve the draft Public Speaking at Scrutiny Protocol and to delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer (in consultation with the Members Constitution Working Party) to make the changes required to the Council’s Constitution.
13.1 The Director Corporate Services & Head of Democratic Services (DCS&HoDS) outlined the report which: · Informed members of revisions to the political balance of the Council as a result of the By-Election held on 13 February 2025 for the Trevethin & Penygarn Ward, · Sought agreement to the updated political balance until AGM in May 2025 or until further changes are required. 13.2 Council unanimously agreed: • the change in political balance and adopted the political balance calculations attached at Appendix A to the report. • To appoint members to serve on the committees affected by these changes as shown in Appendix B to the report which was circulated in advance of the meeting.
14.1 The Director Corporate Services outlined the report which sought council approval of the 2025 Pay Policy Statement in accordance with the Localism Act 2011. 14.2 The Leader welcomed the report and drew member’s attention to the following points set out in the Pay Policy Statement which was attached as Appendix 1 to the report: • Section 1.2 mentioned the continuation of the Foundation Living Wage which was recommended by the foundation rather than the minimum wage and which would be welcomed by the lowest paid staff. • He welcomed the update in Section 6 on the Joint Chief Executive, a joint post which saved both councils money. It was anticipated that this would lead to more savings in senior leadership costs. • Section 8.6 outlined the ratio of Chief Executive pay to the median pay in Torfaen, which had decreased to 4.50:1, the guidelines were that organisations stayed below 12:1, which showed that Torfaen’s ratio was well within the boundaries of what was recommended by the fair pay reports. • He welcomed the second table under 8.6 which confirmed the number of Chief Officer grades now at 29 from 31 las year, which confirmed the work being done to work from the top to streamline, make services more efficient, and to get money to the front line. 14.3 Council unanimously agreed to approve the 2025 Pay Policy Statement attached as Appendix 1 to the report as an accurate summary of the council’s current policy for the purposes of publication under the Localism Act.
15.1 Councillor Janet Jones proposed the following motion: ‘Central government is committed over the next decade to halve the number of cases of violence towards women and girls. This a bold statement but one that can only be achieved with support from all local authorities who can take action to stem and turn the tide. We need to ensure that: A. Victims have access to specialist support and are safe. B. The authority undertakes to fulfil the pledges of the motion. C. The local authority ensures there is comprehensive education within our schools and colleges on healthy relationships. D. We undertake regular reviews to ensure that our actions are aligned to statutory guidelines and address the needs of survivors. E. That this local authority appoints a VAWG CHAMPION who will hold the authority to account and pledges to amplify the voice of survivors. So much goes on behind closed doors. Women and girls live in fear of speaking out and very often it's too late. Please support the motion.’ 15.2 Councillor Janet Jones provided additional data from Lotus Flower Charity which stated that as of August 2024: • Violence against women and girls had increased across England and Wales by 40% over five years. • Approximately 20% of reported crime included harassment, stalking, sexual assault and domestic violence, while data from other sources included rape, genital mutilation, forced marriages, exploitation and coercion. • There appeared to be an increase crime against women and girls in minority groups. • One in three female suicides were linked to domestic abuse. • Many victims were left with long term mental health issues. • It took seven attempts for a woman to leave a violent and abusive relationship. • Many crimes go unrecorded, and victims have little or no confidence in them being offered access to the necessary support. This is coupled with a failure in the criminal justice system. • Many girls under the age of 16 suffered abuse and sexual abuse within the home environment, and this often went undetected • Women and girls lived in fear of speaking out and very often it was too late. Councillor Jones urged the authority to take action. 15.3 The motion was seconded. 15.4 The motion was welcomed and supported with members commenting in particular as follows: • International Women’s Day was on Saturday 8 March. • There were more 30 Women’s Refuges in Wales. • Women and girls should not live in fear of speaking out as it was never their fault - they should report all incidents. • As elected members respected in the community and as school governors respected by young people who observed how they behaved, there was a need to recognise the importance of being a role model. • The language of members as role models was powerful, offensive language, written text, song lyrics or banters all sent layers of messaging into the community and created an impression to reinforce the culture of discrimination and abuse against women and girls. It was not ok to use offensive language to or about women and girls, degrade women or girls, devalue women or girls, or to trivialise or normalise offensive or misogynistic language. • As respected role models within the community, members must call out offensive or harmful language to protect women and girls from future harm. • It was important to set the tone in terms of expectations. • The Police and Crime Commissioner of Gwent had recently set up a forum involving local authorities, the police and the third sector to look at ways of tackling this issue. The Executive Member Corporate Governance & Resources had been attended the forums on behalf of the council and would continue to do so. 15.5 A recorded vote was taken, with members voting as shown in the table below, with all 36 members voting in favour of the motion. Council unanimously agreed to support the motion: COUNCILLOR FOR AGAINST Stuart Ashley ü Alfie Best ü Catherine Bonera Not present for the vote Ron Burnett Not present for the vote Nick Byrne ü Richard Clark ü Lynda Clarkson ü Liam Cowles ü Fiona Cross ü David Daniels ü Steven Evans ü Joanne Gauden ü Karl Gauden ü Elizabeth Haynes Not present for the vote Nick Horler ü Jon Horlor ü Anthony Hunt ü Gaynor James ü Jon James ü Janet Jones ü Mark Jones ü Peter Jones ü Stuart Keyte ü Rosemary Matthews ü Sue Morgan ü Jason O’Connell ü Amanda Owen ü Norma Parrish ü Caroline Price ü Rose Seabourne ü Nicholas Simons ü Alan Slade ü Chris Tew ü Colette Thomas ü David Thomas ü Jayne Watkins ü David Williams ü Lucy Williams ü Nathan Yeowell ü 15.6 Councillor Karl Gauden proposed the following motion: ‘This council notes: The Employment Rights Bill 2024 is a bill that will update and strengthen employment rights in the UK. Measures being introduced in the bill include; Ban exploitative zero hours contracts by introducing rights to guaranteed hours. End unscrupulous “fire and rehire” practices by considering any dismissals for failure to agree a change of contract as automatically unfair Provide a day one right to protection from unfair dismissal. Make entitlements to paternity leave from day one of employment. Introduce a new right to unpaid bereavement leave allowing employees to take from leave from work to grieve the loss of a loved one. Strengthen employers’ duty to prevent sexual harassment of their employees by requiring them to take all reasonable preventative steps Improve access to Statutory sick pay by removing the lower earnings limit and removing the three day waiting period. The list above is not exhaustive and the bill includes a raft of measures designed to increase productivity, raise living standards and create opportunities for all. This council believes: That the measures contained in the bill represent the biggest upgrade in employment rights in a generation and that once the bill is passed that the working and family lives of the residents of Torfaen will be significantly improved This council resolves to: Writes to the UK government on behalf of Torfaen residents supporting the measures contained in the bill.’ 15.7 The motion was seconded. 15.8 Members commented in favour of the motion. 15.9 A recorded vote was taken, with members voting as shown in the table below, with 31 members voting in favour of the motion and 3 members voting against the motion. Council agreed, with the majority voting in favour to support the motion: COUNCILLOR FOR AGAINST Stuart Ashley ü Alfie Best ü Catherine Bonera Not present for the vote Ron Burnett Not present for the vote Nick Byrne ü Richard Clark ü Lynda Clarkson ü Liam Cowles ü Fiona Cross ü David Daniels ü Steven Evans ü Joanne Gauden ü Karl Gauden ü Elizabeth Haynes Not present for the vote Nick Horler ü Jon Horlor ü Anthony Hunt ü Gaynor James ü Jon James ü Janet Jones ü Mark Jones ü Peter Jones ü Stuart Keyte ü Rosemary Matthews ü Sue Morgan ü Jason O’Connell Not present for the vote Amanda Owen ü Norma Parrish ü Caroline Price ü Rose Seabourne ü Nicholas Simons ü Alan Slade ü Chris Tew Not present for the vote Colette Thomas ü David Thomas ü Jayne Watkins ü David Williams ü Lucy Williams ü Nathan Yeowell ü
16.1 Member questions with replies are set out in Appendix A to these minutes.
17.1 Council unanimously agreed to note the Cabinet Decisions.
18.1 Council unanimously agreed to note the Cabinet Decisions.
19.1 Council unanimously agreed to note the Cabinet Decisions.
16.1 The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 8 April at 10.00am.
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