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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED – T H A T a letter be sent to the UK Prime Minister and Welsh Government First Minister to express the Council’s support for the devolution of the Crown Estate to the Welsh Government. Reason for decision Having regard to the debate and the decision at the meeting. N.B. Due to the voting facility for Councillors L. Burnett, G. John and M.R. Wilson not being able to function during the meeting, their votes were recorded verbally throughout the meeting when required.
RESOLVED – T H A T a letter be sent to the Prime Minister to request that his government reconsiders the payment of compensation for affected women, and honours the report of the Ombudsman’s inquiry into this matter. Reason for decision Having regard to the debate and the decision at the meeting.
RESOLVED – T H A T the proposed amendments to the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2024/25 for supported borrowing be approved. Reason for decision Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED – T H A T the position be noted having regard to the fact that no responses to the consultation had been received. Reason for decision To comply with the Non-Domestic Ratepayers (Consultation) Regulations 1992 (Statutory Instrument No. 3171).
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the amendments to Section 18 titled Contract Procedure Rules of the Council Constitution, as outlined in Appendix 1 and paragraphs 2.1 to 2.8 of the covering report be approved and the Council’s Constitution amended accordingly. (2) T H A T the officer delegations as outlined in paragraph 2.9 of the covering report be approved and the Council’s Constitution amended accordingly. Reasons for decisions (1) To reflect legislative changes introduced from 24th February, 2025. (2) Having regard to legislation and in the interests of good governance.
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the report and appendices, together with the views of the Governance and Audit Committee, be noted. (2) T H A T the Council’s response to the Panel Performance Assessment be approved. Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report, the views of the Governance and Audit Committee and the discussions held at the meeting. (2) To comply with the requirement for the Council to publish its response and action upon recommendations arising from the Panel Performance Assessment. VALE 2030 – DRAFT VALE OF GLAMORGAN CORPORATE PLAN 2025-30 (REF) The Leader presented the draft Corporate Plan which had been shared with all Scrutiny Committees and subject to significant consultation. They outlined there were five well-being objectives which would help both the residents, Council and partners to improve well-being in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Leader drew attention to two key elements of the report, the first being what had changed as a result of consultation, and secondly, how the Council would work with partners in the future. Councillor Carroll did not feel that the Corporate Plan would improve performance, as there was not an emphasis on providing the best service for the best price, a concern that he had previously raised at Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee. He stated that the Plan’s focus should be on improving productivity and ensuring value for money, and referenced that equality, diversity, and inclusion were mentioned a significant amount of times. Councillor Haynes indicated that he found the document disturbing. He stated that what was happening in St. Athan, such as building on land, was against this strategy, and believed placemaking should be the priority. Councillor Hooper reflected that there was a huge value in diversity, which the Council should be supporting. He felt blanket statements around equalities and productivity were false and could not be applied to public sector. He also emphasised the need to reshape services and the need to do the same things more efficiently. Councillor Wilson stated that he felt the Plan reflected the values of the Council, and there were lots of references to operational services such as recycling, waste and green spaces. He shared that he was proud of the Corporate Plan which was ambitious to residents. Councillor Dr. Johnson acknowledged that there had been a number of iterations of the Plan, which was better for it. He felt the Plan was ambitious in achieving its aims and objectives, and that the challenge would be in delivering this Plan. He stated that there needed to be clear financial resources to achieve its aims, and hopefully in five years the Council would be able to say it had achieved the objectives of the Plan. He also stated that there needed to be alignment between the Corporate Plan objectives and scrutiny structure. Councillor Dr. Johnson also reflected on previous comments surrounding equalities and suggested that this incorrect information may be due to a misarticulation of the Equality Impact Assessment information and advised that better analysis should be undertaken before presenting as fact. Councillor Sivagnanam was very proud to support an ambitious Plan with how the Council supported residents, believed this would help to create a more equal Vale of Glamorgan, what was the focus on helping the most disadvantaged. She also reflected upon some of the Council's work on improvement equality such as its Age Friendly status and Her Voice Wales project. Councillor John was delighted to support the Plan and urged people to read it as it contains a lot of information. He also offered thanks to officers. Councillor Cave shared that they did not feel things in the in the Council were even more equal. For example, the building on green sites despite opposition and the inability to replace the village hall roof. They also reflected upon the need to use technology to improve services. Councillor Hodges stated that a Corporate Plan required funding, and was concerned that the economy was not improving to support. He felt that tourism tax and devolving the Crown Estate were opportunities to increase funding. Councillor Perry highlighted the limited investment in the future such as green technology and active travel. He also identified rural poverty, which existed in the Vale. He felt the Town and Community Councils could be doing more and taking on additional responsibilities. Councillor Perry also questioned if the Plan was adding value or if this would be delivered anyway. He also emphasised the need for more diversity and increased opinions, including communicating cross party, as there were talented people who could influence policy. The Leader responded that there were a range of unique services delivered by the Council, which would cost significant sums to deliver, so they were not able to be outsourced. They also shared a Place Making Toolkit which could be used by all Members to support placemaking within communities. The Leader also acknowledge that not all Members’ talents were being utilised and considered this a key part of scrutiny proposals, and emphasised that the Plan and all Members needed to be ambitious for the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan. A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report, as follows: Members For Against Abstain Anne Asbrey √ Julie Aviet √ Gareth Ball √ Rhiannon Birch √ Bronwen Brooks √ Gillian Bruce √ Ian Buckley √ Lis Burnett √ Samantha Campbell √ George Carroll √ Christine Cave √ Charles Champion Janice Charles √ Millie Collins √ Marianne Cowpe √ Pamela Drake √ Vincent Driscoll √ Anthony Ernest √ Christopher Franks √ Wendy Gilligan √ Russell Godfrey √ Emma Goodjohn √ Ewan Goodjohn √ Stephen Haines √ Sally Hanks √ William Hennessy √ Nic Hodges √ Mark Hooper √ Catherine Iannucci-Williams √ Gwyn John √ Dr. Ian Johnson √ Susan Lloyd-Selby √ Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √ Julie Lynch-Wilson √ Kevin Mahoney √ Naomi Marshallsea √ Michael Morgan √ Jayne Norman √ Helen Payne √ Sandra Perkes √ Ian Perry √ Joanna Protheroe √ Ruba Sivagnanam √ Carys Stallard √ Neil Thomas √ Rhys Thomas √ Steffan Wiliam √ Margaret Wilkinson √ Eddie Williams √ Mark Wilson √ Nicholas Wood √ TOTAL 37 13 The vote being carried, it was RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the Vale 2030 draft Corporate Plan (Appendix A to the report) be approved. (2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Corporate Resources, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, to make any factual updates to the content of the Plan prior to publication (for example, information relating to budgetary information). Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions held at the meeting. (2) To ensure the Corporate Plan, ‘Vale 2030’ when published, contained the most up to date information available (for example information regarding the budget for 2025-26). N.B. Councillor Champion was not present for the vote. CAPITAL STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT PROGRAMME 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) The Leader outlined the proposed strategy for the Capital Programme which had been developed on the basis of varying factors such as annual settlements, capital receipts and the impact of the wider labour market. They outlined that the proposal was a mixture of grant and borrowing, and an increase from previous years, which was expected to be £434m in the coming years, of which a significant proportion related to schools and housing. Councillor Dr. Johnson indicated support for the Capital Strategy with the majority belonging to building Council housing or schools, which Plaid Cymru supported. He reflected upon the challenge of year-on-year confirmation from Welsh Government surrounding funding making it a challenge to plan for the future. Councillor Perkes welcomed the Strategy as housing was key, and there had been significant achievements, such as the building of 82 new homes, and the upcoming partnership with Cardiff Council, which offered the opportunity to build more for less. They shared that they felt a decent life was the first step to success in life. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the Capital Strategy 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved. (2) T H A T the final Capital Programme for the years 2025/26 to 2029/30, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved. (3) T H A T Officers be granted delegated authority to vire £10k or below between schemes that were already approved within the five year Capital Programme. (4) T H A T the Chief Executive and the Head of Finance / Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, be granted delegated authority to make additions, deletions or transfers to or from the: i. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Housing Improvement Programme as appropriate. ii. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Asset Renewal budgets as appropriate. iii. S106 funded schemes subject to Member consultation as required under the existing process. iv. Decarbonisation Schemes. v. Building Strong Communities Fund schemes. vi. Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. vii. Discretionary Adaption Grant Schemes. viii. Vale Regeneration Schemes. ix. Shared Prosperity Fund. Reasons for decisions (1) To approve the Capital Strategy for 2025/26. (2) To set and approve future Capital Programmes to 2029/30. (3) To enable officers to progress schemes more quickly where low value virements below £10k were required. (4) To enable the Housing Improvement Programme budget, Asset Renewal budgets, S106 schemes, Decarbonisation Schemes, Building Stronger Communities Fund, Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, Discretionary Adaption Grant Schemes, Vale Regeneration schemes and Shared Prosperity Fund to be managed effectively. TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2025/26 AND UPDATE FOR 2024/25 (REF) The Leader presented an overview of treasury management as the need to demonstrate financial sustainability was important, and that Members should have recently undertaking training surrounding this area. They shared around revised estimates in expenditure, and wider prudential indicators, and outlined the Council’s borrowing position and wider investments. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the revised policy for making Minimum Revenue Provision from 2024/25 onwards be approved. (2) T H A T the proposed 2025/26 Treasury Management and Investment Strategy be approved, including the following specific resolutions (detailed in Appendix 2 to the report): • The Authorised Limit for External Debt be set at £265.394m for 2024/25, £296.207m for 2025/26, £331.078m for 2026/27 and £381.753m for 2027/28. • The Operational Boundary for External Debt be set at £244.170m for 2024/25, £263.914m for 2025/26, £297.677m for 2026/27 and £347.407m for 2027/28. • The Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer be given delegated authority within the total Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary as estimated for individual years to effect movement between the separately agreed limits for borrowing and other long-term liabilities. • An upper limit of £0m for 2024/25, £10m in 2025/26, £10m in 2026/27 and £10m in 2027/28 be set for total principal sums invested for over 364 days. • The amount of projected borrowing that was fixed rate maturing in each period as a percentage of total projected borrowing that was fixed rate be set as shown below (and further detailed in Appendix 1 to the report). Table 1 – Upper and lower Limits for fixed rate borrowing Upper Limit Lower Limit Under 12 months 20% 0% 12 months and within 24 months 40% 0% 24 months and within 5 years 40% 0% 5 years and within 10 years 40% 0% 10 years and above 100% 0% • Any breaches of the Prudential Indicators would be reported through to the next meeting of Cabinet, with the exception of the Authorised Limit for External Debt which would require prior Full Council approval. (3) T H A T the Treasury Management Policy Statement set out in Appendix 3 to the report be approved. Reasons for decisions (1) To agree the basis of the Minimum Revenue Provision calculation for 2024/25 onwards. (2) In order for the Treasury Management and Annual Investment Strategy as prepared be approved as required by the Local Government Act 2003. (3) In order for the Treasury Management Policy Statement to be approved. DRAFT BUDGET 2025/26 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) The Leader presented an overview of the proposed budget for 2025/26, and shared that this was based on the settlement received from Welsh Government, which is the second lowest per head in Wales. They outlined that the proposed increase in Council Tax was 5.9%, which is generally lower than the Welsh average for the upcoming year, and a percentage point less than consulted upon due to late changes in the settlement from Welsh Government. They outlined how Schools and Social Care are still allocated the majority (71%) of the budget, but that these areas need to be supported and align the Corporate Plan’s well-being objectives of “Best Start in Life” and “Supporting the Most Vulnerable”. They also reflected that there is still a budget gap, which will need to be supported by transformational activity (via Reshaping programme) and a series of savings, which are supported by equality impact assessments, that reserves continue to be held in accordance with legislation and that they will continue to work with Welsh Government surrounding future multi- year settlements to support longer term planning. Councillor Dr. Johnson thanked staff for work on supporting a complex budget and to WLGA in their lobbying role. They also highlighted how the budget proposed spending increases and cuts to non-statutory services, emphasising that they felt austerity was not over. They indicated that the future reorganisation of Scrutiny was essential in monitoring resources and financial proposals moving forward and indicated that the settlement for the Fire and Rescue Service should be undertaken separately as they were responsible for their own budgets, in a similar means to Town and Community Council currently set their budgets. Councillor Carroll indicated that they felt the budget was a reflection of mismanagement, with residents paying “more for less”, such as car parking and waste collection. They also felt that the Council were focusing upon the wrong things such as bureaucratic work and diversity, equality and inclusion, and not its core purpose. They also believed that the proposed budget would have a negative impact to residents, and that the increase proposed was above CPI. They further explained that they felt the issue of productivity was not being taken seriously, and that efficiencies need to be identified as the Council has lost control of its finances, needs a change in administration and should use its reserves to keep the Council Tax rate low. Councillor Franks felt that there has been a failure from the Administration in lobbying for an increase settlement, and more needed to be done to influence government as to how the Council could have the required budget to meet its needs. They queried if savings had been properly costed and impact assessed, as he felt this budget had failed to convince the public surrounding its robustness and value. They also questioned the longer-term sustainability of the budget and cited the proposed reduction in the education as a concern. Councillor Goodjohn shared that the budget in theory was a real terms increase in Council spend, and that it was necessary for the Council to fund changes impacted by an aging population and additional learning needs, as there needed to be a significant improvement in public services. Councillor Hooper queried how car parking charges proposals were reflected within the budget, as it was still in a consultative stage, and emphasised the impact to local businesses and communities. They indicated how they believed this was an austerity budget reflective of wider Welsh Government and UK Government positions. They also reflected upon the importance of Council’s role in supporting diversity, equality and inclusion. Councillor Hodges highlighted the potential 700,000 disabled people who may go into poverty due to welfare reform, and how the Council would need to support these people. They raised the issue of a lack of A&E facility within the County, impacting upon people’s health, and expressed how Welsh Government were struggling to come to terms with issues as highlighted through the budget. They also expressed limited faith in opposition leadership, as he felt comments to be disingenuous. Councillor Perry indicated that they felt we were still living in austerity and seeing rises in poverty. They expressed that recent reductions to overseas aid budgets highlighted how it was easy to pick on vulnerable people. They raised that they felt Council Tax to be regressive and impacted less well-off people more. They also stated that there needed to be more planning for the future and consideration of the new ideas and technologies. Councillor Wilson indicated that the Council was productive, reflecting upon class size ratios and social care workloads, and indicated that the Council was not a sweatshop environment with bizarre productivity targets. They shared that removing bins did not have a catastrophic impact and it only affected a small number of bins (approximately 160) where they were looking at recycling bins, whereas changes to care might have a more significant impact and emphasised that Cabinet were trying to transform the Council to be as effective and efficient as possible. The Leader responded that any changes to how the process for the Fire and Rescue Service worked would be minimal and have no material impact to residents, whilst sharing around the lobbying work undertaken at National level, such as appearing at Committees. They agreed that future Scrutiny arrangements would help with some of the queries raised, as the review was focused upon outcomes. The Leader finally reflected that working with the local MP in partnership had helped raised awareness of reporting mechanisms for pot holes. A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report as follows: Members For Against Abstain Anne Asbrey √ Julie Aviet √ Gareth Ball √ Rhiannon Birch √ Bronwen Brooks √ Gillian Bruce √ Ian Buckley √ Lis Burnett √ Samantha Campbell √ George Carroll √ Christine Cave √ Janice Charles √ Millie Collins √ Marianne Cowpe √ Pamela Drake √ Vincent Driscoll √ Anthony Ernest √ Christopher Franks √ Wendy Gilligan √ Russell Godfrey √ Emma Goodjohn √ Ewan Goodjohn √ Stephen Haines √ Sally Hanks √ William Hennessy √ Nic Hodges √ Mark Hooper √ Catherine Iannucci-Williams √ Gwyn John √ Dr. Ian Johnson √ Susan Lloyd-Selby √ Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √ Julie Lynch-Wilson √ Kevin Mahoney √ Naomi Marshallsea √ Michael Morgan √ Jayne Norman √ Helen Payne √ Sandra Perkes √ Ian Perry √ Joanna Protheroe √ Ruba Sivagnanam √ Carys Stallard √ Neil Thomas √ Rhys Thomas √ Steffan Wiliam √ Margaret Wilkinson √ Eddie Williams √ Mark Wilson √ Nicholas Wood √ TOTAL 28 22 The vote being carried, it was RESOLVED – (1) T H A T a Council Tax increase of 5.9% be approved. (2) T H A T the budget for 2025/26, as set out in the report, be approved. Reasons for decisions (1) Setting the annual rate of Council Tax was a key policy decision for Council. (2) Setting a balanced budget was a statutory responsibility and decision for Full Council. PAY POLICY 2025/26 (REF) The Leader presented the Pay Policy, which outlined how employees should be fairly rewarded for duties, which had changed incrementally based on wider changes. They also acknowledged the reduction of the gender pay gap, and the multiple between lowest and highest paid was encouraging. RESOLVED – T H A T the Council’s Pay Policy, as attached at Appendix A to the report to Cabinet on 6th February 2025 (Minute No. C247), be approved. Reason for decision To respond to the legal requirements under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) Amendment Regulations 2014, the Local Government (Wales) Act 2015 and related advice from the Welsh Government as well as provide openness and accountability in relation to how the Council rewards its staff. N.B. All Chief Officers, save for two Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officers servicing the meeting and the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development, left the meeting when this item was considered. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development remained in the meeting, until the matter was to be voted upon, in order to provide any clarification required by Elected Members.
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T it be noted that at its meeting on 19th December 2024, Cabinet (the Executive) calculated the following amounts for the year 2025/26 in accordance with regulations made under Section 33(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:- (a) 63,970 being the amount calculated by Cabinet (the Executive) 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) Part of the Council’s area Barry 21,434 Colwinston 385 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 3,017 Dinas Powys 4,054 Ewenny 455 Llancarfan 495 Llandough 979 Llandow 443 Llanfair 393 Llangan 470 Llanmaes 252 Llantwit Major 4,384 Michaelston 244 Penarth 11,840 Pendoylan 367 Penllyn 1,181 Peterston-Super-Ely 549 St. Athan 1,756 St. Brides Major 1,504 St. Donats 212 St. Georges and St. Brides-Super-Ely 241 St. Nicholas and Bonvilston 775 Sully and Lavernock 2,849 Welsh St. Donats 333 Wenvoe 1,563 Wick 553 Total Council Tax Base Town and Community Councils 60,728 Rhoose 3,242 Total Council Tax Base 63,970 being the amounts calculated by Cabinet (the Executive), in accordance with regulation 6 of the Regulations, as amended, as the amounts of its council tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. (2) T H A T the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2025/26 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992: (a) Aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the £461,536,101 items set out in Section 32 (2) (a) to (d) and (2A) of the Act (including Town / Community Council Precepts totaling £3,850,614) (b) Aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the £127,651,000 items set out in Section 32 (3) (a), (aa) and (c), and (3A) of the Act (c) Amount by which the aggregate at (2)(a) above exceeds the £333,885,101 aggregate at (2)(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the year. (d) Aggregate of the sums which the Council estimates will be £224,157,740 payable for the year into its Council Fund in respect of redistributed non-domestic rates, revenue support grant, its council tax reduction scheme, additional grant or special grant less certain Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Reliefs (e) The amount at (2)(c) above less the amount at (2)(d) above, all £1,715.29 divided by the amount at (1)(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. (f) Aggregate amount of all special items referred to in Section £3,850,614 34(1) of the Act. (g) Amount at (2)(e) above less the result given by dividing the £1,655.10 amount at (2)(f) above by the amount at (1)(a) above, 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. (h) Part of the Council’s area £ Barry 1,718.44 Colwinston 1,708.74 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 1,772.61 Dinas Powys 1,692.96 Ewenny 1,707.85 Llancarfan 1,689.73 Llandough 1,729.66 Llandow 1,682.19 Llanfair 1,670.16 Llangan 1,680.17 Llanmaes 1,711.14 Llantwit Major 1,727.60 Michaelston 1,687.05 Penarth 1,745.34 Pendoylan 1,680.99 Penllyn 1,668.86 Peterston-Super-Ely 1,698.82 Rhoose 1,655.10 St. Athan 1,705.10 St. Brides Major 1,678.10 St. Donats 1,679.55 St. Georges and St. Brides-Super-Ely 1,686.22 St. Nicholas and Bonvilston 1,742.55 Sully and Lavernock 1,689.99 Welsh St. Donats 1,679.12 Wenvoe 1,682.82 Wick 1,671.37 being the amounts given by adding to the amount at (2)(g) above the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at (1)(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34 (3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its council tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. No. (i) Part of the Council's Area Valuation Bands £ A B C D E F G H I Barry 1,145.63 1,336.56 1,527.50 1,718.44 2,100.32 2,482.19 2,864.07 3,436.88 4,009.69 Colwinston 1,139.16 1,329.02 1,518.88 1,708.74 2,088.46 2,468.18 2,847.90 3,417.48 3,987.06 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 1,181.74 1,378.70 1,575.65 1,772.61 2,166.52 2,560.44 2,954.35 3,545.22 4,136.09 Dinas Powys 1,128.64 1,316.75 1,504.85 1,692.96 2,069.17 2,445.39 2,821.60 3,385.92 3,950.24 Ewenny 1,138.57 1,328.33 1,518.09 1,707.85 2,087.37 2,466.89 2,846.42 3,415.70 3,984.98 Llancarfan 1,126.49 1,314.23 1,501.98 1,689.73 2,065.23 2,440.72 2,816.22 3,379.46 3,942.70 Llandough 1,153.11 1,345.29 1,537.48 1,729.66 2,114.03 2,498.40 2,882.77 3,459.32 4,035.87 Llandow 1,121.46 1,308.37 1,495.28 1,682.19 2,056.01 2,429.83 2,803.65 3,364.38 3,925.11 Llanfair 1,113.44 1,299.01 1,484.59 1,670.16 2,041.31 2,412.45 2,783.60 3,340.32 3,897.04 Llangan 1,120.11 1,306.80 1,493.48 1,680.17 2,053.54 2,426.91 2,800.28 3,360.34 3,920.40 Llanmaes 1,140.76 1,330.89 1,521.01 1,711.14 2,091.39 2,471.65 2,851.90 3,422.28 3,992.66 Llantwit Major 1,151.73 1,343.69 1,535.64 1,727.60 2,111.51 2,495.42 2,879.33 3,455.20 4,031.07 Michaelston 1,124.70 1,312.15 1,499.60 1,687.05 2,061.95 2,436.85 2,811.75 3,374.10 3,936.45 Penarth 1,163.56 1,357.49 1,551.41 1,745.34 2,133.19 2,521.05 2,908.90 3,490.68 4,072.46 Pendoylan 1,120.66 1,307.44 1,494.21 1,680.99 2,054.54 2,428.10 2,801.65 3,361.98 3,922.31 Penllyn 1,112.57 1,298.00 1,483.43 1,668.86 2,039.72 2,410.58 2,781.43 3,337.72 3,894.01 Peterston-Super-Ely 1,132.55 1,321.30 1,510.06 1,698.82 2,076.34 2,453.85 2,831.37 3,397.64 3,963.91 Rhoose 1,103.40 1,287.30 1,471.20 1,655.10 2,022.90 2,390.70 2,758.50 3,310.20 3,861.90 St.Athan 1,136.73 1,326.19 1,515.64 1,705.10 2,084.01 2,462.92 2,841.83 3,410.20 3,978.57 St.Brides Major 1,118.73 1,305.19 1,491.64 1,678.10 2,051.01 2,423.92 2,796.83 3,356.20 3,915.57 St.Donats 1,119.70 1,306.32 1,492.93 1,679.55 2,052.78 2,426.02 2,799.25 3,359.10 3,918.95 St.Georges & St.Brides-Super-Ely 1,124.15 1,311.50 1,498.86 1,686.22 2,060.94 2,435.65 2,810.37 3,372.44 3,934.51 St.Nicholas and Bonvilston 1,161.70 1,355.32 1,548.93 1,742.55 2,129.78 2,517.02 2,904.25 3,485.10 4,065.95 Sully and Lavernock 1,126.66 1,314.44 1,502.21 1,689.99 2,065.54 2,441.10 2,816.65 3,379.98 3,943.31 Welsh St.Donats 1,119.41 1,305.98 1,492.55 1,679.12 2,052.26 2,425.40 2,798.53 3,358.24 3,917.95 Wenvoe 1,121.88 1,308.86 1,495.84 1,682.82 2,056.78 2,430.74 2,804.70 3,365.64 3,926.58 Wick 1,114.25 1,299.95 1,485.66 1,671.37 2,042.79 2,414.20 2,785.62 3,342.74 3,899.86 being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at (2)(g) and (2)(h) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5 (1/1A) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is 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 valuation bands. (3) That it be noted that for the year 2025/26 the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales has stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:- No. £ Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H I 252.45 294.52 336.60 378.67 462.82 546.97 631.12 757.34 883.56 (4) That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (2)(i) and (3) above , The Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council , in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2025/26. Part of the Council's Area £ Valuation Bands £ A B C D E F G H I Barry 1,398.08 1,631.08 1,864.10 2,097.11 2,563.14 3,029.16 3,495.19 4,194.22 4,893.25 Colwinston 1,391.61 1,623.54 1,855.48 2,087.41 2,551.28 3,015.15 3,479.02 4,174.82 4,870.62 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 1,434.19 1,673.22 1,912.25 2,151.28 2,629.34 3,107.41 3,585.47 4,302.56 5,019.65 Dinas Powys 1,381.09 1,611.27 1,841.45 2,071.63 2,531.99 2,992.36 3,452.72 4,143.26 4,833.80 Ewenny 1,391.02 1,622.85 1,854.69 2,086.52 2,550.19 3,013.86 3,477.54 4,173.04 4,868.54 Llancarfan 1,378.94 1,608.75 1,838.58 2,068.40 2,528.05 2,987.69 3,447.34 4,136.80 4,826.26 Llandough 1,405.56 1,639.81 1,874.08 2,108.33 2,576.85 3,045.37 3,513.89 4,216.66 4,919.43 Llandow 1,373.91 1,602.89 1,831.88 2,060.86 2,518.83 2,976.80 3,434.77 4,121.72 4,808.67 Llanfair 1,365.89 1,593.53 1,821.19 2,048.83 2,504.13 2,959.42 3,414.72 4,097.66 4,780.60 Llangan 1,372.56 1,601.32 1,830.08 2,058.84 2,516.36 2,973.88 3,431.40 4,117.68 4,803.96 Llanmaes 1,393.21 1,625.41 1,857.61 2,089.81 2,554.21 3,018.62 3,483.02 4,179.62 4,876.22 Llantwit Major 1,404.18 1,638.21 1,872.24 2,106.27 2,574.33 3,042.39 3,510.45 4,212.54 4,914.63 Michaelston 1,377.15 1,606.67 1,836.20 2,065.72 2,524.77 2,983.82 3,442.87 4,131.44 4,820.01 Penarth 1,416.01 1,652.01 1,888.01 2,124.01 2,596.01 3,068.02 3,540.02 4,248.02 4,956.02 Pendoylan 1,373.11 1,601.96 1,830.81 2,059.66 2,517.36 2,975.07 3,432.77 4,119.32 4,805.87 Penllyn 1,365.02 1,592.52 1,820.03 2,047.53 2,502.54 2,957.55 3,412.55 4,095.06 4,777.57 Peterston-Super-Ely 1,385.00 1,615.82 1,846.66 2,077.49 2,539.16 3,000.82 3,462.49 4,154.98 4,847.47 Rhoose 1,355.85 1,581.82 1,807.80 2,033.77 2,485.72 2,937.67 3,389.62 4,067.54 4,745.46 St.Athan 1,389.18 1,620.71 1,852.24 2,083.77 2,546.83 3,009.89 3,472.95 4,167.54 4,862.13 St.Brides Major 1,371.18 1,599.71 1,828.24 2,056.77 2,513.83 2,970.89 3,427.95 4,113.54 4,799.13 St.Donats 1,372.15 1,600.84 1,829.53 2,058.22 2,515.60 2,972.99 3,430.37 4,116.44 4,802.51 St.Georges & St.Brides-Super- Ely 1,376.60 1,606.02 1,835.46 2,064.89 2,523.76 2,982.62 3,441.49 4,129.78 4,818.07 St.Nicholas and Bonvilston 1,414.15 1,649.84 1,885.53 2,121.22 2,592.60 3,063.99 3,535.37 4,242.44 4,949.51 Sully and Lavernock 1,379.11 1,608.96 1,838.81 2,068.66 2,528.36 2,988.07 3,447.77 4,137.32 4,826.87 Welsh St.Donats 1,371.86 1,600.50 1,829.15 2,057.79 2,515.08 2,972.37 3,429.65 4,115.58 4,801.51 Wenvoe 1,374.33 1,603.38 1,832.44 2,061.49 2,519.60 2,977.71 3,435.82 4,122.98 4,810.14 Wick 1,366.70 1,594.47 1,822.26 2,050.04 2,505.61 2,961.17 3,416.74 4,100.08 4,783.42 (5) T H A T discount for prompt payment of the Council Tax be not granted. (6) T H A T the Common Seal be affixed to the said Council Tax. (7) T H A T notices of the making of the said Council Taxes signed by the Chief Executive be given by advertisement in the local press under Section 38 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. Reason for decisions (1-7) In order to set the Council Tax for 2025/26.
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C180, 28th November 2024), 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. HOUSING PAS2035 RETROFIT SCHEME 2024/25 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C186, 28th November 2024), 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. HOUSING PAS2035 RETROFIT SCHEME 2024/25 (PART II) (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C190, 28th November 2024), 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. APPROPRIATION OF TWO PROPERTIES FROM HOUSING STOCK TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C209, 19th December 2024), 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. CARDIFF AND VALE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C215, 19th December 2024), 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. CARDIFF AND VALE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (PART II) (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C219, 19th December 2024), 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. CAR PARKING (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C228, 9th January 2025), 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. INITIAL BUDGET 2025/26 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2024/25 TO 2029/30 PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTATION (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C234, 16th January 2025), 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. DRAFT CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C235, 16th January 2025), (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.
These were received from Councillors Robert Fisher, Howard Hamilton and Elliot Penn (Mayor).
The following declarations of interest were received: Councillor A. Asbrey Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Asbrey had a personal interest in Item 7 in that she could be impacted by any changes but she did not consider it to be a prejudicial interest at this stage. Councillor J. Aviet Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Aviet declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that she could be impacted by any changes and Councillor Aviet vacated the meeting whilst this matter was being discussed. Councillor J. Aviet Agenda Item No. 11(e) – Draft Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2029/30 2024/25. Councillor Aviet had a personal interest in the matter as she was a Council tenant, however she did not have a prejudicial interest having regard to paragraph 19.3.3 (ii) (A) of the Council’s Code of Conduct. Councillor J. Aviet Agenda Item No. 11(f) – Pay Policy 2025/26. Councillor Aviet had a personal and prejudicial interest as a family member was a Council employee however, she had a dispensation granted by the Standards Committee to speak and vote on matters relating to employee terms and conditions. Councillor B Brooks Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Brooks declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that she could be impacted by any changes and vacated the meeting when this item was being discussed. Councillor G. Bruce Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Bruce declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that she could be impacted by any changes and vacated the meeting when this item was being discussed. Councillor G. Bruce Agenda Item No. 11(f) – Pay Policy 2025/26. Councillor Bruce had a personal and prejudicial interest as a family member was an employee of the Authority and vacated the meeting when this item was being discussed. Councillor I. Buckley Agenda Item No. 11(f) – Pay Policy 2025/26. Councillor Buckley had a personal and prejudicial interest as a family member was an employee of the Authority. However, Councillor Buckley had a dispensation from the Standards Committee to speak and vote on matters relating to employee terms and conditions. Councillor L. Burnett Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Burnett declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that she could be impacted by any changes and vacated the meeting whilst this matter was being discussed. Councillor C. Cave Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Cave declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that she could be impacted by any changes and vacated the meeting whilst this matter was being discussed. Councillor C. Champion Agenda Item No. 11(f) – Pay Policy 2025/26. Councillor Champion advised that he had previously been granted a dispensation from the Standards Committee as a family member was an employee of the Authority. However, this was now not the case. Councillor J. Charles Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Charles declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that she could be impacted by any changes and vacated the meeting whilst this matter was being discussed. Councillor C.M. Cowpe Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Cowpe had a personal interest in Item 7 in that she could be impacted by any changes but she did not consider it to be a prejudicial interest at this stage. Councillor C.P. Franks Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Franks had a Personal and prejudicial in the item as he had family members who could be impacted by any changes and vacated the meeting whilst the matter was being discussed. Councillor W. Gilligan Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Gilligan had a Personal and prejudicial in the item as she had family members who could be impacted by any changes. Councillor Emma Goodjohn Agenda Item 11(e) – Draft Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2029/30. Councillor Goodjohn had a dispensation granted by the Standards Committee to speak and vote on general matters relating to Community Centres. Councillor S.M. Hanks Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Hanks declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that she could be impacted by any changes and vacated the meeting whilst this matter was being discussed. Councillor W.A. Hennessy Agenda Item No. 11(e) – Draft Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2029/30 Councillor Hennessy had a personal interest in the matters as he was a Council tenant, however he did not have a prejudicial interest having regard to paragraph 19.3.3 (ii) (A) of the Council’s Code of Conduct. Councillor Dr. I.J. Johnson Agenda Item 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Dr. Johnson declared a personal interest in that family members may be impacted by any changes but not a prejudicial interest at this stage. Councillor Dr. I.J. Johnson Agenda Item No. 11(e) – Draft Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2029/30 Councillor Dr. Johnson declared a personal and prejudicial interest relating to associated matters with Jenner Park but that he had been granted by the Standards Committee a dispensation to speak and vote. Councillor S. Lloyd-Selby Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Lloyd-Selby declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that both family members and herself could be impacted by any changes and vacated the meeting whilst this matter was being discussed. Councillor H.M. Payne Agenda Item No. 7 – Motion – Changes to State Pension. Councillor Payne declared a personal and prejudicial interest in that she had family members who could be impacted by any changes and vacated the meeting whilst this matter was being discussed. Councillor H.M. Payne Agenda Item No. 11(f) –Pay Policy 2025/26. Councillor Payne advised that she had previously been granted a dispensation from the Standards Committee as a family member was an employee of the Authority. However, this was now not the case. Councillor M.R. Wilkinson Agenda Item No 11(e) – Draft Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2029/30. Councillor Wilkinson had a personal interest in the matter as a Council tenant, however she did not have a prejudicial interest having regard to paragraph 19.3.3 (ii) (A) of the Council’s Code of Conduct. Councillor M.R. Wilkinson Agenda Item No. 11(f) – Pay Policy 2025/26. Councillor Wilkinson had a personal and prejudicial interest as a family member was an employee however, she had a dispensation granted by the Standards Committee to speak and vote on matters relating to employee terms and conditions.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd December, 2024 and the three Special Meetings held on 13th January, 2025 be approved as a correct record.
(i) The Deputy Mayor did not make any announcements. (ii) The Leader made the following announcement: The Leader invited Members to take a moment of reflection following the passing of Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, who was the first Presiding Officer of the Welsh Assembly and a long-standing friend of Local Government. On Sunday, 9th March, 2025, the Leader shared that they were able to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at a ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Llandow air disaster, where 80 people lost their lives, and share how it was heartening to see representatives of Abercarn, Risca and Llanharan rugby clubs who had maintained a close relationship with village. The Leader also shared how they were currently fundraising to maintain the memorial site. They also provided clarification surrounding the announcement of the Plan for Neighbourhoods from UK Government, advising that there was an initial announcement (with no funding allocated), a subsequent announcement with no prospectus or basis, with the latest announcement being around the basis of the prospectus being available and supporting the concept of whole town regeneration. (iii) The Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language made the following announcement: The Cabinet Member took the opportunity to thank all who helped during the recent fire at St. Athan Primary School, including staff, library staff, PTA, Morgan Sindall, educational psychologists and members of the community, and passed on a vote of thanks to those who had helped during half term breaks to support learners. (iv) The Chief Executive made the following announcement: The Chief Executive referred to the Corporate Plan, which set out the Council’s strategy for the next five years which covered a range of duties including the Well- being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 and also provided focus for how we worked as a Council across teams and with communities, with development following considerate consultation. The Chief Executive thanked officers who had developed the Plan and to all those who had shared views in developing this strategy. The Chief Executive also highlighted the new requirement, the Performance Panel Assessment, and how the Council was the third in Wales to undertake the process and that timing was key to support development of Vale 2030 and Transformation programme, and that recommendations identified were positive and a testament to the work of staff. Thanks were also passed to staff, Members and partners who were involved with the supporting the process.
No questions were received from members of the public.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – T H A T a letter be sent to the UK Prime Minister and Welsh Government First Minister to express the Council’s support for the devolution of the Crown Estate to the Welsh Government. Reason for decision Having regard to the debate and the decision at the meeting. N.B. Due to the voting facility for Councillors L. Burnett, G. John and M.R. Wilson not being able to function during the meeting, their votes were recorded verbally throughout the meeting when required.
The below Notice of Motion, moved by Councillor Hooper and seconded by Councillor Dr. Johnson at the meeting, was debated. “Devolution of the Crown Estate – This Council believes that Welsh Government should have responsibility for the Crown Estate and its assets in Wales, allowing profits from the Crown Estate within Wales to be reinvested in Wales, as the Scottish Government are able to do in Scotland where they already have these powers. Council further notes the continuing challenging financial situation of Local Authorities in Wales, and believes it unfair that ordinary residents face higher bills and reduced services whilst profits made in Wales are expatriated. Council agrees to write to the UK Prime Minister and Welsh Government First Minister to express our support for the devolution of the Crown Estate to the Welsh Government.” Councillor Cooper advised this was this was an important Motion for Wales in general as there were 50,000 acres of Crown Estates and whilst this was not significant in the Vale of Glamorgan, this was about wider solidarity as there was a potential value of approximately £850m nationally with profits growing overtime. Labour MSs indicates the support for devolution of the Crown Estate alongside public, however was labour MPs had voted against or abstained in UK parliament when considering the issue. He outlined that this Motion was important in showing solidarity to other Councils in Wales in support of the devolution of the Crown Estate. Councillor Goodjohn agreed with Councillor Hooper and said the Welsh people were largely supportive of devolution, which he felt to be a deeply unfair position and was based on historical injustice of exploiting natural resources. He agreed it was important to support last government and right a longstanding wrong. Councillor Carroll outlined how the Council had many areas of responsibilities such as litter bins which should be debated and not the Crown Estate, as this was not within the Council's power to control. He also reflected that when the Crown Estate was devolved in Scotland the grant was cut to reflect increasing income meaning no more cash was to be gained. He also reflected upon the appropriateness of devolving more areas to Welsh Government based upon their track record with the NHS and education. Councillor Protheroe agreed with the Motion as already devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland and they also felt confident that the ambition for a devolved state would be realised. Councillor Sivagnanam also indicated they were happy to support the Motion as this aligned to Welsh Labour policy. Councillor Hodges clarified that the £110m gained in Scotland resulted in approximately £100m profit. He also welcomed Senedd support but stated that Welsh Labour needed to align as MPs did not support in Parliament, and it could be another broken promise. Councillor Payne welcomed the potential £1.1 billion net revenue profit for Wales. Councillor Franks stated that they felt it was clear Welsh Labour had no influence in Westminster, and reflected upon how the Council would influence MPs to enact policy. Councillor Cowpe invited Members to consider how this money could be spent, and suggested tackling health inequalities, which cost the NHS approximately £322m per year, and led to challenges such as reduced life expectancy and other wider determinants. This would also support an aging population and adverse childhood experiences and felt the money from our resources could support health inequalities. Councillor Williams supported the Motion as he felt that the money should come to Wales and it was important to support other Councils, but that they also needed to give recognition to the role of the Monarchy. Councillor Dr. Johnson indicated support from the proposals and agreed that the profits should be used to help people by investing in communities that created the wealth. He also reflected that the model already existed and could benefit the people of Wales greatly, and that this move would be better late than never. Councillor Hooper emphasised that this was not about anti-Monarchy but righting a historic wrong. A recorded vote took place on the Motion as follows: Members For Against Abstain Anne Asbrey √ Julie Aviet √ Gareth Ball √ Rhiannon Birch √ Bronwen Brooks √ Gillian Bruce √ Ian Buckley √ Lis Burnett √ Samantha Campbell √ George Carroll √ Christine Cave √ Charles Champion √ Janice Charles √ Millie Collins √ Marianne Cowpe √ Pamela Drake √ Vincent Driscoll √ Anthony Ernest √ Christopher Franks √ Wendy Gilligan √ Russell Godfrey √ Emma Goodjohn √ Ewan Goodjohn √ Stephen Haines √ Sally Hanks √ William Hennessy √ Nic Hodges √ Mark Hooper √ Catherine Iannucci-Williams √ Gwyn John √ Dr. Ian Johnson √ Susan Lloyd-Selby √ Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √ Julie Lynch-Wilson √ Kevin Mahoney √ Naomi Marshallsea √ Michael Morgan √ Jayne Norman √ Helen Payne √ Sandra Perkes √ Ian Perry √ Joanna Protheroe √ Ruba Sivagnanam √ Carys Stallard √ Neil Thomas √ Rhys Thomas √ Steffan Wiliam √ Margaret Wilkinson √ Eddie Williams √ Mark Wilson √ Nicholas Wood √ TOTAL 39 12 The vote being carried, it was RESOLVED – T H A T a letter be sent to the UK Prime Minister and Welsh Government First Minister to express the Council’s support for the devolution of the Crown Estate to the Welsh Government. Reason for decision Having regard to the debate and the decision at the meeting. N.B. Due to the voting facility for Councillors L. Burnett, G. John and M.R. Wilson not being able to function during the meeting, their votes were recorded verbally throughout the meeting when required.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – T H A T a letter be sent to the Prime Minister to request that his government reconsiders the payment of compensation for affected women, and honours the report of the Ombudsman’s inquiry into this matter. Reason for decision Having regard to the debate and the decision at the meeting.
The below Notice of Motion, moved by Councillor Cowpe and seconded by Councillor Dr. Johnson at the meeting, was debated. “Changes to State Pension Age for Women – The Vale of Glamorgan Council notes the findings of the Ombudsman’s report on the failings of the UK Department of Work and Pensions to communicate with women regarding changes to the state pension age. Council recognises the impact of this maladministration upon women living in the Vale of Glamorgan, and agrees to write to the Prime Minister to request that his government reconsiders the payment of compensation for affected women, and honours the report of the Ombudsman’s inquiry into this matter.” Councillor Cowpe presented an overview of the Motion and how the Council should support calls for women affected by maladministration to be compensated accordingly, as they did not have enough time to prepare for the impact of any changes. She also stated that the movement was not just about money (estimated to be £10.5 billion) as the changes to pension rules would have saved approximately £200 billion, but also about the Government’s ability to ignore an independent watchdog, whose advice should be listened to as this mechanism was fundamental in restoring the public’s faith in democracy. Councillor Perkes indicated support for the Motion and the need to review the maladministration, as many people had to remain in work longer than expected or experience hardship as a result of changes. Councillor Loveluck-Edwards reflected that International Women’s Day had been held the previous weekend, and that it was important to leave behind a positive legacy in standing up for WASPI women. She also reflected the need to uphold Ombudsmen’s decisions. Councillor Asbrey stated that ignoring the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsmen (PHSO) sets a precedent around decision making, as they played a key role in providing checks and balances. Councillor Sivagnanam highlighted that they were going to support the Motion as a woman and a feminist, and felt there was a lack of care to those affected. Councillor Godfrey raised that he felt that Council was discussing issues which were at a National level and of which they had no control. Councillor Protheroe agreed around the need to right a wrong which led to potentially catastrophic life events, and was disappointed surrounding decisions made. She also reflected that the Council was using its voice to lobby change of behalf of its residents. Councillor Dr. Johnson indicated that this issue related to fairness and equality, and whilst the impact was unknown locally, it had impacted a large number of people, with the lack of communication being the biggest impact. He felt that there the state had made an error which needed to be corrected. Councillor John felt it was appalling what had happened to people who were cheated by government. Councillor Thomas stated that as a Member, they represent many people affected by injustice, and that there was a need to support those who were disadvantaged. Councillor Carroll reflected that the Council had power over many things which impacted lives which it could influence, and that these should be the focus, representing communities and not duplicating the role of MPs and UK Government. Councillor Collins stated there were women in all Members’ local constituencies who would be affected, and that the Council could and did hold MPs to account when representing communities. Councillor Wilson agreed with this and was alarmed by Members considering what could and could not be discussed but highlighted that a key role of Council was to lobby government. Councillor Perry stated that there needed to be work done with MPs to gain clarity on roles and responsibilities. They also acknowledge the demographic timebomb of an aging population not acted upon by successive governments. A recorded vote took place on the Motion as follows: Members For Against Abstain Anne Asbrey √ Julie Aviet * Gareth Ball √ Rhiannon Birch √ Bronwen Brooks * Gillian Bruce * Ian Buckley √ Lis Burnett * Samantha Campbell √ George Carroll √ Christine Cave * Charles Champion √ Janice Charles * Millie Collins √ Marianne Cowpe √ Pamela Drake √ Vincent Driscoll √ Anthony Ernest √ Christopher Franks * Wendy Gilligan √ Russell Godfrey √ Emma Goodjohn √ Ewan Goodjohn √ Stephen Haines √ Sally Hanks * William Hennessy √ Nic Hodges √ Mark Hooper √ Catherine Iannucci-Williams √ Gwyn John √ Dr. Ian Johnson √ Susan Lloyd-Selby * Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √ Julie Lynch-Wilson √ Kevin Mahoney √ Naomi Marshallsea √ Michael Morgan Jayne Norman √ Helen Payne * Sandra Perkes √ Ian Perry √ Joanna Protheroe √ Ruba Sivagnanam √ Carys Stallard √ Neil Thomas √ Rhys Thomas √ Steffan Wiliam √ Margaret Wilkinson √ Eddie Williams √ Mark Wilson √ Nicholas Wood √ TOTAL 29 8 3 N.B. * Having declared an interest in this item, Councillors Aviet, Brooks, Bruce, Burnett, Cave, Charles, Franks, Hanks and Lloyd-Selby were not present when this item was considered. The vote being carried, it was RESOLVED – T H A T a letter be sent to the Prime Minister to request that his government reconsiders the payment of compensation for affected women, and honours the report of the Ombudsman’s inquiry into this matter. Reason for decision Having regard to the debate and the decision at the meeting.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – T H A T the proposed amendments to the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2024/25 for supported borrowing be approved. Reason for decision Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
The Leader presented the report, advising that Members of the Governance and Audit Committee had considered and endorsed the proposal to amend the Minimum Revenue Position 2024/25 at the meeting on 6th January, 2025. The Policy had been updated reflecting upon changes in guidance, and undertaking benchmarking against other Welsh Local Authorities, leading to a change in how the Council would calculate asset life periods. RESOLVED – T H A T the proposed amendments to the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2024/25 for supported borrowing be approved. Reason for decision Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – T H A T the position be noted having regard to the fact that no responses to the consultation had been received. Reason for decision To comply with the Non-Domestic Ratepayers (Consultation) Regulations 1992 (Statutory Instrument No. 3171).
RESOLVED – T H A T the position be noted having regard to the fact that no responses to the consultation had been received. Reason for decision To comply with the Non-Domestic Ratepayers (Consultation) Regulations 1992 (Statutory Instrument No. 3171).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the amendments to Section 18 titled Contract Procedure Rules of the Council Constitution, as outlined in Appendix 1 and paragraphs 2.1 to 2.8 of the covering report be approved and the Council’s Constitution amended accordingly. (2) T H A T the officer delegations as outlined in paragraph 2.9 of the covering report be approved and the Council’s Constitution amended accordingly. Reasons for decisions (1) To reflect legislative changes introduced from 24th February, 2025. (2) Having regard to legislation and in the interests of good governance.
The Leader shared an overview of proposed changes to the Council’s constitution, which were proposed amendments to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules, which have been updated to reflect the recently legislated Procurement Act 2023 and the Procurement (Wales) Regulations coming in to force on 24th February 2025. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the amendments to Section 18 titled Contract Procedure Rules of the Council Constitution, as outlined in Appendix 1 and paragraphs 2.1 to 2.8 of the covering report be approved and the Council’s Constitution amended accordingly. (2) T H A T the officer delegations as outlined in paragraph 2.9 of the covering report be approved and the Council’s Constitution amended accordingly. Reasons for decisions (1) To reflect legislative changes introduced from 24th February, 2025. (2) Having regard to legislation and in the interests of good governance.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the report and appendices, together with the views of the Governance and Audit Committee, be noted. (2) T H A T the Council’s response to the Panel Performance Assessment be approved. Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report, the views of the Governance and Audit Committee and the discussions held at the meeting. (2) To comply with the requirement for the Council to publish its response and action upon recommendations arising from the Panel Performance Assessment. VALE 2030 – DRAFT VALE OF GLAMORGAN CORPORATE PLAN 2025-30 (REF) The Leader presented the draft Corporate Plan which had been shared with all Scrutiny Committees and subject to significant consultation. They outlined there were five well-being objectives which would help both the residents, Council and partners to improve well-being in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Leader drew attention to two key elements of the report, the first being what had changed as a result of consultation, and secondly, how the Council would work with partners in the future. Councillor Carroll did not feel that the Corporate Plan would improve performance, as there was not an emphasis on providing the best service for the best price, a concern that he had previously raised at Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee. He stated that the Plan’s focus should be on improving productivity and ensuring value for money, and referenced that equality, diversity, and inclusion were mentioned a significant amount of times. Councillor Haynes indicated that he found the document disturbing. He stated that what was happening in St. Athan, such as building on land, was against this strategy, and believed placemaking should be the priority. Councillor Hooper reflected that there was a huge value in diversity, which the Council should be supporting. He felt blanket statements around equalities and productivity were false and could not be applied to public sector. He also emphasised the need to reshape services and the need to do the same things more efficiently. Councillor Wilson stated that he felt the Plan reflected the values of the Council, and there were lots of references to operational services such as recycling, waste and green spaces. He shared that he was proud of the Corporate Plan which was ambitious to residents. Councillor Dr. Johnson acknowledged that there had been a number of iterations of the Plan, which was better for it. He felt the Plan was ambitious in achieving its aims and objectives, and that the challenge would be in delivering this Plan. He stated that there needed to be clear financial resources to achieve its aims, and hopefully in five years the Council would be able to say it had achieved the objectives of the Plan. He also stated that there needed to be alignment between the Corporate Plan objectives and scrutiny structure. Councillor Dr. Johnson also reflected on previous comments surrounding equalities and suggested that this incorrect information may be due to a misarticulation of the Equality Impact Assessment information and advised that better analysis should be undertaken before presenting as fact. Councillor Sivagnanam was very proud to support an ambitious Plan with how the Council supported residents, believed this would help to create a more equal Vale of Glamorgan, what was the focus on helping the most disadvantaged. She also reflected upon some of the Council's work on improvement equality such as its Age Friendly status and Her Voice Wales project. Councillor John was delighted to support the Plan and urged people to read it as it contains a lot of information. He also offered thanks to officers. Councillor Cave shared that they did not feel things in the in the Council were even more equal. For example, the building on green sites despite opposition and the inability to replace the village hall roof. They also reflected upon the need to use technology to improve services. Councillor Hodges stated that a Corporate Plan required funding, and was concerned that the economy was not improving to support. He felt that tourism tax and devolving the Crown Estate were opportunities to increase funding. Councillor Perry highlighted the limited investment in the future such as green technology and active travel. He also identified rural poverty, which existed in the Vale. He felt the Town and Community Councils could be doing more and taking on additional responsibilities. Councillor Perry also questioned if the Plan was adding value or if this would be delivered anyway. He also emphasised the need for more diversity and increased opinions, including communicating cross party, as there were talented people who could influence policy. The Leader responded that there were a range of unique services delivered by the Council, which would cost significant sums to deliver, so they were not able to be outsourced. They also shared a Place Making Toolkit which could be used by all Members to support placemaking within communities. The Leader also acknowledge that not all Members’ talents were being utilised and considered this a key part of scrutiny proposals, and emphasised that the Plan and all Members needed to be ambitious for the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan. A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report, as follows: Members For Against Abstain Anne Asbrey √ Julie Aviet √ Gareth Ball √ Rhiannon Birch √ Bronwen Brooks √ Gillian Bruce √ Ian Buckley √ Lis Burnett √ Samantha Campbell √ George Carroll √ Christine Cave √ Charles Champion Janice Charles √ Millie Collins √ Marianne Cowpe √ Pamela Drake √ Vincent Driscoll √ Anthony Ernest √ Christopher Franks √ Wendy Gilligan √ Russell Godfrey √ Emma Goodjohn √ Ewan Goodjohn √ Stephen Haines √ Sally Hanks √ William Hennessy √ Nic Hodges √ Mark Hooper √ Catherine Iannucci-Williams √ Gwyn John √ Dr. Ian Johnson √ Susan Lloyd-Selby √ Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √ Julie Lynch-Wilson √ Kevin Mahoney √ Naomi Marshallsea √ Michael Morgan √ Jayne Norman √ Helen Payne √ Sandra Perkes √ Ian Perry √ Joanna Protheroe √ Ruba Sivagnanam √ Carys Stallard √ Neil Thomas √ Rhys Thomas √ Steffan Wiliam √ Margaret Wilkinson √ Eddie Williams √ Mark Wilson √ Nicholas Wood √ TOTAL 37 13 The vote being carried, it was RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the Vale 2030 draft Corporate Plan (Appendix A to the report) be approved. (2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Corporate Resources, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, to make any factual updates to the content of the Plan prior to publication (for example, information relating to budgetary information). Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions held at the meeting. (2) To ensure the Corporate Plan, ‘Vale 2030’ when published, contained the most up to date information available (for example information regarding the budget for 2025-26). N.B. Councillor Champion was not present for the vote. CAPITAL STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT PROGRAMME 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) The Leader outlined the proposed strategy for the Capital Programme which had been developed on the basis of varying factors such as annual settlements, capital receipts and the impact of the wider labour market. They outlined that the proposal was a mixture of grant and borrowing, and an increase from previous years, which was expected to be £434m in the coming years, of which a significant proportion related to schools and housing. Councillor Dr. Johnson indicated support for the Capital Strategy with the majority belonging to building Council housing or schools, which Plaid Cymru supported. He reflected upon the challenge of year-on-year confirmation from Welsh Government surrounding funding making it a challenge to plan for the future. Councillor Perkes welcomed the Strategy as housing was key, and there had been significant achievements, such as the building of 82 new homes, and the upcoming partnership with Cardiff Council, which offered the opportunity to build more for less. They shared that they felt a decent life was the first step to success in life. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the Capital Strategy 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved. (2) T H A T the final Capital Programme for the years 2025/26 to 2029/30, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved. (3) T H A T Officers be granted delegated authority to vire £10k or below between schemes that were already approved within the five year Capital Programme. (4) T H A T the Chief Executive and the Head of Finance / Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, be granted delegated authority to make additions, deletions or transfers to or from the: i. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Housing Improvement Programme as appropriate. ii. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Asset Renewal budgets as appropriate. iii. S106 funded schemes subject to Member consultation as required under the existing process. iv. Decarbonisation Schemes. v. Building Strong Communities Fund schemes. vi. Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. vii. Discretionary Adaption Grant Schemes. viii. Vale Regeneration Schemes. ix. Shared Prosperity Fund. Reasons for decisions (1) To approve the Capital Strategy for 2025/26. (2) To set and approve future Capital Programmes to 2029/30. (3) To enable officers to progress schemes more quickly where low value virements below £10k were required. (4) To enable the Housing Improvement Programme budget, Asset Renewal budgets, S106 schemes, Decarbonisation Schemes, Building Stronger Communities Fund, Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, Discretionary Adaption Grant Schemes, Vale Regeneration schemes and Shared Prosperity Fund to be managed effectively. TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2025/26 AND UPDATE FOR 2024/25 (REF) The Leader presented an overview of treasury management as the need to demonstrate financial sustainability was important, and that Members should have recently undertaking training surrounding this area. They shared around revised estimates in expenditure, and wider prudential indicators, and outlined the Council’s borrowing position and wider investments. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the revised policy for making Minimum Revenue Provision from 2024/25 onwards be approved. (2) T H A T the proposed 2025/26 Treasury Management and Investment Strategy be approved, including the following specific resolutions (detailed in Appendix 2 to the report): • The Authorised Limit for External Debt be set at £265.394m for 2024/25, £296.207m for 2025/26, £331.078m for 2026/27 and £381.753m for 2027/28. • The Operational Boundary for External Debt be set at £244.170m for 2024/25, £263.914m for 2025/26, £297.677m for 2026/27 and £347.407m for 2027/28. • The Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer be given delegated authority within the total Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary as estimated for individual years to effect movement between the separately agreed limits for borrowing and other long-term liabilities. • An upper limit of £0m for 2024/25, £10m in 2025/26, £10m in 2026/27 and £10m in 2027/28 be set for total principal sums invested for over 364 days. • The amount of projected borrowing that was fixed rate maturing in each period as a percentage of total projected borrowing that was fixed rate be set as shown below (and further detailed in Appendix 1 to the report). Table 1 – Upper and lower Limits for fixed rate borrowing Upper Limit Lower Limit Under 12 months 20% 0% 12 months and within 24 months 40% 0% 24 months and within 5 years 40% 0% 5 years and within 10 years 40% 0% 10 years and above 100% 0% • Any breaches of the Prudential Indicators would be reported through to the next meeting of Cabinet, with the exception of the Authorised Limit for External Debt which would require prior Full Council approval. (3) T H A T the Treasury Management Policy Statement set out in Appendix 3 to the report be approved. Reasons for decisions (1) To agree the basis of the Minimum Revenue Provision calculation for 2024/25 onwards. (2) In order for the Treasury Management and Annual Investment Strategy as prepared be approved as required by the Local Government Act 2003. (3) In order for the Treasury Management Policy Statement to be approved. DRAFT BUDGET 2025/26 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) The Leader presented an overview of the proposed budget for 2025/26, and shared that this was based on the settlement received from Welsh Government, which is the second lowest per head in Wales. They outlined that the proposed increase in Council Tax was 5.9%, which is generally lower than the Welsh average for the upcoming year, and a percentage point less than consulted upon due to late changes in the settlement from Welsh Government. They outlined how Schools and Social Care are still allocated the majority (71%) of the budget, but that these areas need to be supported and align the Corporate Plan’s well-being objectives of “Best Start in Life” and “Supporting the Most Vulnerable”. They also reflected that there is still a budget gap, which will need to be supported by transformational activity (via Reshaping programme) and a series of savings, which are supported by equality impact assessments, that reserves continue to be held in accordance with legislation and that they will continue to work with Welsh Government surrounding future multi- year settlements to support longer term planning. Councillor Dr. Johnson thanked staff for work on supporting a complex budget and to WLGA in their lobbying role. They also highlighted how the budget proposed spending increases and cuts to non-statutory services, emphasising that they felt austerity was not over. They indicated that the future reorganisation of Scrutiny was essential in monitoring resources and financial proposals moving forward and indicated that the settlement for the Fire and Rescue Service should be undertaken separately as they were responsible for their own budgets, in a similar means to Town and Community Council currently set their budgets. Councillor Carroll indicated that they felt the budget was a reflection of mismanagement, with residents paying “more for less”, such as car parking and waste collection. They also felt that the Council were focusing upon the wrong things such as bureaucratic work and diversity, equality and inclusion, and not its core purpose. They also believed that the proposed budget would have a negative impact to residents, and that the increase proposed was above CPI. They further explained that they felt the issue of productivity was not being taken seriously, and that efficiencies need to be identified as the Council has lost control of its finances, needs a change in administration and should use its reserves to keep the Council Tax rate low. Councillor Franks felt that there has been a failure from the Administration in lobbying for an increase settlement, and more needed to be done to influence government as to how the Council could have the required budget to meet its needs. They queried if savings had been properly costed and impact assessed, as he felt this budget had failed to convince the public surrounding its robustness and value. They also questioned the longer-term sustainability of the budget and cited the proposed reduction in the education as a concern. Councillor Goodjohn shared that the budget in theory was a real terms increase in Council spend, and that it was necessary for the Council to fund changes impacted by an aging population and additional learning needs, as there needed to be a significant improvement in public services. Councillor Hooper queried how car parking charges proposals were reflected within the budget, as it was still in a consultative stage, and emphasised the impact to local businesses and communities. They indicated how they believed this was an austerity budget reflective of wider Welsh Government and UK Government positions. They also reflected upon the importance of Council’s role in supporting diversity, equality and inclusion. Councillor Hodges highlighted the potential 700,000 disabled people who may go into poverty due to welfare reform, and how the Council would need to support these people. They raised the issue of a lack of A&E facility within the County, impacting upon people’s health, and expressed how Welsh Government were struggling to come to terms with issues as highlighted through the budget. They also expressed limited faith in opposition leadership, as he felt comments to be disingenuous. Councillor Perry indicated that they felt we were still living in austerity and seeing rises in poverty. They expressed that recent reductions to overseas aid budgets highlighted how it was easy to pick on vulnerable people. They raised that they felt Council Tax to be regressive and impacted less well-off people more. They also stated that there needed to be more planning for the future and consideration of the new ideas and technologies. Councillor Wilson indicated that the Council was productive, reflecting upon class size ratios and social care workloads, and indicated that the Council was not a sweatshop environment with bizarre productivity targets. They shared that removing bins did not have a catastrophic impact and it only affected a small number of bins (approximately 160) where they were looking at recycling bins, whereas changes to care might have a more significant impact and emphasised that Cabinet were trying to transform the Council to be as effective and efficient as possible. The Leader responded that any changes to how the process for the Fire and Rescue Service worked would be minimal and have no material impact to residents, whilst sharing around the lobbying work undertaken at National level, such as appearing at Committees. They agreed that future Scrutiny arrangements would help with some of the queries raised, as the review was focused upon outcomes. The Leader finally reflected that working with the local MP in partnership had helped raised awareness of reporting mechanisms for pot holes. A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report as follows: Members For Against Abstain Anne Asbrey √ Julie Aviet √ Gareth Ball √ Rhiannon Birch √ Bronwen Brooks √ Gillian Bruce √ Ian Buckley √ Lis Burnett √ Samantha Campbell √ George Carroll √ Christine Cave √ Janice Charles √ Millie Collins √ Marianne Cowpe √ Pamela Drake √ Vincent Driscoll √ Anthony Ernest √ Christopher Franks √ Wendy Gilligan √ Russell Godfrey √ Emma Goodjohn √ Ewan Goodjohn √ Stephen Haines √ Sally Hanks √ William Hennessy √ Nic Hodges √ Mark Hooper √ Catherine Iannucci-Williams √ Gwyn John √ Dr. Ian Johnson √ Susan Lloyd-Selby √ Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √ Julie Lynch-Wilson √ Kevin Mahoney √ Naomi Marshallsea √ Michael Morgan √ Jayne Norman √ Helen Payne √ Sandra Perkes √ Ian Perry √ Joanna Protheroe √ Ruba Sivagnanam √ Carys Stallard √ Neil Thomas √ Rhys Thomas √ Steffan Wiliam √ Margaret Wilkinson √ Eddie Williams √ Mark Wilson √ Nicholas Wood √ TOTAL 28 22 The vote being carried, it was RESOLVED – (1) T H A T a Council Tax increase of 5.9% be approved. (2) T H A T the budget for 2025/26, as set out in the report, be approved. Reasons for decisions (1) Setting the annual rate of Council Tax was a key policy decision for Council. (2) Setting a balanced budget was a statutory responsibility and decision for Full Council. PAY POLICY 2025/26 (REF) The Leader presented the Pay Policy, which outlined how employees should be fairly rewarded for duties, which had changed incrementally based on wider changes. They also acknowledged the reduction of the gender pay gap, and the multiple between lowest and highest paid was encouraging. RESOLVED – T H A T the Council’s Pay Policy, as attached at Appendix A to the report to Cabinet on 6th February 2025 (Minute No. C247), be approved. Reason for decision To respond to the legal requirements under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) Amendment Regulations 2014, the Local Government (Wales) Act 2015 and related advice from the Welsh Government as well as provide openness and accountability in relation to how the Council rewards its staff. N.B. All Chief Officers, save for two Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officers servicing the meeting and the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development, left the meeting when this item was considered. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development remained in the meeting, until the matter was to be voted upon, in order to provide any clarification required by Elected Members.
VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL PANEL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT (REF) The Leader shared how the Performance Panel Assessment was timely with the development of the of the new Corporate Plan and that the report was the outcome of a review from a panel of external peers. She reflected that it was a very positive report with a number of strengths, which was testament to the work of the Council and that there were a number of recommendations that had come forward. The areas to improve included planning for place, signalling change, building on strong partnerships and then ensuring that the Council used its governance arrangements and resources effectively. Councillor Carroll shared how he met with the Panel and gave a frank account of his views, meaning he was disappointed with the outcome of the Performance Panel Assessment’s findings. He feared this could create complacency when radical reform was needed. Councillor Wilson stated that all Members had a corporate responsibility as members of the public body to have high regard for officers who helped Members undertake their role. He felt that condemning the report was putting the Council into disrepute Councillor Goodjohn stated that the Council must not rest on its laurels and felt it was a good job amongst resource background. However the response was important, particularly how the Council communicated this change with residents. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the report and appendices, together with the views of the Governance and Audit Committee, be noted. (2) T H A T the Council’s response to the Panel Performance Assessment be approved. Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report, the views of the Governance and Audit Committee and the discussions held at the meeting. (2) To comply with the requirement for the Council to publish its response and action upon recommendations arising from the Panel Performance Assessment. VALE 2030 – DRAFT VALE OF GLAMORGAN CORPORATE PLAN 2025-30 (REF) The Leader presented the draft Corporate Plan which had been shared with all Scrutiny Committees and subject to significant consultation. They outlined there were five well-being objectives which would help both the residents, Council and partners to improve well-being in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Leader drew attention to two key elements of the report, the first being what had changed as a result of consultation, and secondly, how the Council would work with partners in the future. Councillor Carroll did not feel that the Corporate Plan would improve performance, as there was not an emphasis on providing the best service for the best price, a concern that he had previously raised at Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee. He stated that the Plan’s focus should be on improving productivity and ensuring value for money, and referenced that equality, diversity, and inclusion were mentioned a significant amount of times. Councillor Haynes indicated that he found the document disturbing. He stated that what was happening in St. Athan, such as building on land, was against this strategy, and believed placemaking should be the priority. Councillor Hooper reflected that there was a huge value in diversity, which the Council should be supporting. He felt blanket statements around equalities and productivity were false and could not be applied to public sector. He also emphasised the need to reshape services and the need to do the same things more efficiently. Councillor Wilson stated that he felt the Plan reflected the values of the Council, and there were lots of references to operational services such as recycling, waste and green spaces. He shared that he was proud of the Corporate Plan which was ambitious to residents. Councillor Dr. Johnson acknowledged that there had been a number of iterations of the Plan, which was better for it. He felt the Plan was ambitious in achieving its aims and objectives, and that the challenge would be in delivering this Plan. He stated that there needed to be clear financial resources to achieve its aims, and hopefully in five years the Council would be able to say it had achieved the objectives of the Plan. He also stated that there needed to be alignment between the Corporate Plan objectives and scrutiny structure. Councillor Dr. Johnson also reflected on previous comments surrounding equalities and suggested that this incorrect information may be due to a misarticulation of the Equality Impact Assessment information and advised that better analysis should be undertaken before presenting as fact. Councillor Sivagnanam was very proud to support an ambitious Plan with how the Council supported residents, believed this would help to create a more equal Vale of Glamorgan, what was the focus on helping the most disadvantaged. She also reflected upon some of the Council's work on improvement equality such as its Age Friendly status and Her Voice Wales project. Councillor John was delighted to support the Plan and urged people to read it as it contains a lot of information. He also offered thanks to officers. Councillor Cave shared that they did not feel things in the in the Council were even more equal. For example, the building on green sites despite opposition and the inability to replace the village hall roof. They also reflected upon the need to use technology to improve services. Councillor Hodges stated that a Corporate Plan required funding, and was concerned that the economy was not improving to support. He felt that tourism tax and devolving the Crown Estate were opportunities to increase funding. Councillor Perry highlighted the limited investment in the future such as green technology and active travel. He also identified rural poverty, which existed in the Vale. He felt the Town and Community Councils could be doing more and taking on additional responsibilities. Councillor Perry also questioned if the Plan was adding value or if this would be delivered anyway. He also emphasised the need for more diversity and increased opinions, including communicating cross party, as there were talented people who could influence policy. The Leader responded that there were a range of unique services delivered by the Council, which would cost significant sums to deliver, so they were not able to be outsourced. They also shared a Place Making Toolkit which could be used by all Members to support placemaking within communities. The Leader also acknowledge that not all Members’ talents were being utilised and considered this a key part of scrutiny proposals, and emphasised that the Plan and all Members needed to be ambitious for the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan. A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report, as follows: Members For Against Abstain Anne Asbrey √ Julie Aviet √ Gareth Ball √ Rhiannon Birch √ Bronwen Brooks √ Gillian Bruce √ Ian Buckley √ Lis Burnett √ Samantha Campbell √ George Carroll √ Christine Cave √ Charles Champion Janice Charles √ Millie Collins √ Marianne Cowpe √ Pamela Drake √ Vincent Driscoll √ Anthony Ernest √ Christopher Franks √ Wendy Gilligan √ Russell Godfrey √ Emma Goodjohn √ Ewan Goodjohn √ Stephen Haines √ Sally Hanks √ William Hennessy √ Nic Hodges √ Mark Hooper √ Catherine Iannucci-Williams √ Gwyn John √ Dr. Ian Johnson √ Susan Lloyd-Selby √ Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √ Julie Lynch-Wilson √ Kevin Mahoney √ Naomi Marshallsea √ Michael Morgan √ Jayne Norman √ Helen Payne √ Sandra Perkes √ Ian Perry √ Joanna Protheroe √ Ruba Sivagnanam √ Carys Stallard √ Neil Thomas √ Rhys Thomas √ Steffan Wiliam √ Margaret Wilkinson √ Eddie Williams √ Mark Wilson √ Nicholas Wood √ TOTAL 37 13 The vote being carried, it was RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the Vale 2030 draft Corporate Plan (Appendix A to the report) be approved. (2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Corporate Resources, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, to make any factual updates to the content of the Plan prior to publication (for example, information relating to budgetary information). Reasons for decisions (1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions held at the meeting. (2) To ensure the Corporate Plan, ‘Vale 2030’ when published, contained the most up to date information available (for example information regarding the budget for 2025-26). N.B. Councillor Champion was not present for the vote. CAPITAL STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT PROGRAMME 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) The Leader outlined the proposed strategy for the Capital Programme which had been developed on the basis of varying factors such as annual settlements, capital receipts and the impact of the wider labour market. They outlined that the proposal was a mixture of grant and borrowing, and an increase from previous years, which was expected to be £434m in the coming years, of which a significant proportion related to schools and housing. Councillor Dr. Johnson indicated support for the Capital Strategy with the majority belonging to building Council housing or schools, which Plaid Cymru supported. He reflected upon the challenge of year-on-year confirmation from Welsh Government surrounding funding making it a challenge to plan for the future. Councillor Perkes welcomed the Strategy as housing was key, and there had been significant achievements, such as the building of 82 new homes, and the upcoming partnership with Cardiff Council, which offered the opportunity to build more for less. They shared that they felt a decent life was the first step to success in life. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the Capital Strategy 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved. (2) T H A T the final Capital Programme for the years 2025/26 to 2029/30, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved. (3) T H A T Officers be granted delegated authority to vire £10k or below between schemes that were already approved within the five year Capital Programme. (4) T H A T the Chief Executive and the Head of Finance / Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, be granted delegated authority to make additions, deletions or transfers to or from the: i. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Housing Improvement Programme as appropriate. ii. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Asset Renewal budgets as appropriate. iii. S106 funded schemes subject to Member consultation as required under the existing process. iv. Decarbonisation Schemes. v. Building Strong Communities Fund schemes. vi. Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. vii. Discretionary Adaption Grant Schemes. viii. Vale Regeneration Schemes. ix. Shared Prosperity Fund. Reasons for decisions (1) To approve the Capital Strategy for 2025/26. (2) To set and approve future Capital Programmes to 2029/30. (3) To enable officers to progress schemes more quickly where low value virements below £10k were required. (4) To enable the Housing Improvement Programme budget, Asset Renewal budgets, S106 schemes, Decarbonisation Schemes, Building Stronger Communities Fund, Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, Discretionary Adaption Grant Schemes, Vale Regeneration schemes and Shared Prosperity Fund to be managed effectively. TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2025/26 AND UPDATE FOR 2024/25 (REF) The Leader presented an overview of treasury management as the need to demonstrate financial sustainability was important, and that Members should have recently undertaking training surrounding this area. They shared around revised estimates in expenditure, and wider prudential indicators, and outlined the Council’s borrowing position and wider investments. RESOLVED – (1) T H A T the revised policy for making Minimum Revenue Provision from 2024/25 onwards be approved. (2) T H A T the proposed 2025/26 Treasury Management and Investment Strategy be approved, including the following specific resolutions (detailed in Appendix 2 to the report): • The Authorised Limit for External Debt be set at £265.394m for 2024/25, £296.207m for 2025/26, £331.078m for 2026/27 and £381.753m for 2027/28. • The Operational Boundary for External Debt be set at £244.170m for 2024/25, £263.914m for 2025/26, £297.677m for 2026/27 and £347.407m for 2027/28. • The Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer be given delegated authority within the total Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary as estimated for individual years to effect movement between the separately agreed limits for borrowing and other long-term liabilities. • An upper limit of £0m for 2024/25, £10m in 2025/26, £10m in 2026/27 and £10m in 2027/28 be set for total principal sums invested for over 364 days. • The amount of projected borrowing that was fixed rate maturing in each period as a percentage of total projected borrowing that was fixed rate be set as shown below (and further detailed in Appendix 1 to the report). Table 1 – Upper and lower Limits for fixed rate borrowing Upper Limit Lower Limit Under 12 months 20% 0% 12 months and within 24 months 40% 0% 24 months and within 5 years 40% 0% 5 years and within 10 years 40% 0% 10 years and above 100% 0% • Any breaches of the Prudential Indicators would be reported through to the next meeting of Cabinet, with the exception of the Authorised Limit for External Debt which would require prior Full Council approval. (3) T H A T the Treasury Management Policy Statement set out in Appendix 3 to the report be approved. Reasons for decisions (1) To agree the basis of the Minimum Revenue Provision calculation for 2024/25 onwards. (2) In order for the Treasury Management and Annual Investment Strategy as prepared be approved as required by the Local Government Act 2003. (3) In order for the Treasury Management Policy Statement to be approved. DRAFT BUDGET 2025/26 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) The Leader presented an overview of the proposed budget for 2025/26, and shared that this was based on the settlement received from Welsh Government, which is the second lowest per head in Wales. They outlined that the proposed increase in Council Tax was 5.9%, which is generally lower than the Welsh average for the upcoming year, and a percentage point less than consulted upon due to late changes in the settlement from Welsh Government. They outlined how Schools and Social Care are still allocated the majority (71%) of the budget, but that these areas need to be supported and align the Corporate Plan’s well-being objectives of “Best Start in Life” and “Supporting the Most Vulnerable”. They also reflected that there is still a budget gap, which will need to be supported by transformational activity (via Reshaping programme) and a series of savings, which are supported by equality impact assessments, that reserves continue to be held in accordance with legislation and that they will continue to work with Welsh Government surrounding future multi- year settlements to support longer term planning. Councillor Dr. Johnson thanked staff for work on supporting a complex budget and to WLGA in their lobbying role. They also highlighted how the budget proposed spending increases and cuts to non-statutory services, emphasising that they felt austerity was not over. They indicated that the future reorganisation of Scrutiny was essential in monitoring resources and financial proposals moving forward and indicated that the settlement for the Fire and Rescue Service should be undertaken separately as they were responsible for their own budgets, in a similar means to Town and Community Council currently set their budgets. Councillor Carroll indicated that they felt the budget was a reflection of mismanagement, with residents paying “more for less”, such as car parking and waste collection. They also felt that the Council were focusing upon the wrong things such as bureaucratic work and diversity, equality and inclusion, and not its core purpose. They also believed that the proposed budget would have a negative impact to residents, and that the increase proposed was above CPI. They further explained that they felt the issue of productivity was not being taken seriously, and that efficiencies need to be identified as the Council has lost control of its finances, needs a change in administration and should use its reserves to keep the Council Tax rate low. Councillor Franks felt that there has been a failure from the Administration in lobbying for an increase settlement, and more needed to be done to influence government as to how the Council could have the required budget to meet its needs. They queried if savings had been properly costed and impact assessed, as he felt this budget had failed to convince the public surrounding its robustness and value. They also questioned the longer-term sustainability of the budget and cited the proposed reduction in the education as a concern. Councillor Goodjohn shared that the budget in theory was a real terms increase in Council spend, and that it was necessary for the Council to fund changes impacted by an aging population and additional learning needs, as there needed to be a significant improvement in public services. Councillor Hooper queried how car parking charges proposals were reflected within the budget, as it was still in a consultative stage, and emphasised the impact to local businesses and communities. They indicated how they believed this was an austerity budget reflective of wider Welsh Government and UK Government positions. They also reflected upon the importance of Council’s role in supporting diversity, equality and inclusion. Councillor Hodges highlighted the potential 700,000 disabled people who may go into poverty due to welfare reform, and how the Council would need to support these people. They raised the issue of a lack of A&E facility within the County, impacting upon people’s health, and expressed how Welsh Government were struggling to come to terms with issues as highlighted through the budget. They also expressed limited faith in opposition leadership, as he felt comments to be disingenuous. Councillor Perry indicated that they felt we were still living in austerity and seeing rises in poverty. They expressed that recent reductions to overseas aid budgets highlighted how it was easy to pick on vulnerable people. They raised that they felt Council Tax to be regressive and impacted less well-off people more. They also stated that there needed to be more planning for the future and consideration of the new ideas and technologies. Councillor Wilson indicated that the Council was productive, reflecting upon class size ratios and social care workloads, and indicated that the Council was not a sweatshop environment with bizarre productivity targets. They shared that removing bins did not have a catastrophic impact and it only affected a small number of bins (approximately 160) where they were looking at recycling bins, whereas changes to care might have a more significant impact and emphasised that Cabinet were trying to transform the Council to be as effective and efficient as possible. The Leader responded that any changes to how the process for the Fire and Rescue Service worked would be minimal and have no material impact to residents, whilst sharing around the lobbying work undertaken at National level, such as appearing at Committees. They agreed that future Scrutiny arrangements would help with some of the queries raised, as the review was focused upon outcomes. The Leader finally reflected that working with the local MP in partnership had helped raised awareness of reporting mechanisms for pot holes. A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report as follows: Members For Against Abstain Anne Asbrey √ Julie Aviet √ Gareth Ball √ Rhiannon Birch √ Bronwen Brooks √ Gillian Bruce √ Ian Buckley √ Lis Burnett √ Samantha Campbell √ George Carroll √ Christine Cave √ Janice Charles √ Millie Collins √ Marianne Cowpe √ Pamela Drake √ Vincent Driscoll √ Anthony Ernest √ Christopher Franks √ Wendy Gilligan √ Russell Godfrey √ Emma Goodjohn √ Ewan Goodjohn √ Stephen Haines √ Sally Hanks √ William Hennessy √ Nic Hodges √ Mark Hooper √ Catherine Iannucci-Williams √ Gwyn John √ Dr. Ian Johnson √ Susan Lloyd-Selby √ Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √ Julie Lynch-Wilson √ Kevin Mahoney √ Naomi Marshallsea √ Michael Morgan √ Jayne Norman √ Helen Payne √ Sandra Perkes √ Ian Perry √ Joanna Protheroe √ Ruba Sivagnanam √ Carys Stallard √ Neil Thomas √ Rhys Thomas √ Steffan Wiliam √ Margaret Wilkinson √ Eddie Williams √ Mark Wilson √ Nicholas Wood √ TOTAL 28 22 The vote being carried, it was RESOLVED – (1) T H A T a Council Tax increase of 5.9% be approved. (2) T H A T the budget for 2025/26, as set out in the report, be approved. Reasons for decisions (1) Setting the annual rate of Council Tax was a key policy decision for Council. (2) Setting a balanced budget was a statutory responsibility and decision for Full Council. PAY POLICY 2025/26 (REF) The Leader presented the Pay Policy, which outlined how employees should be fairly rewarded for duties, which had changed incrementally based on wider changes. They also acknowledged the reduction of the gender pay gap, and the multiple between lowest and highest paid was encouraging. RESOLVED – T H A T the Council’s Pay Policy, as attached at Appendix A to the report to Cabinet on 6th February 2025 (Minute No. C247), be approved. Reason for decision To respond to the legal requirements under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) Amendment Regulations 2014, the Local Government (Wales) Act 2015 and related advice from the Welsh Government as well as provide openness and accountability in relation to how the Council rewards its staff. N.B. All Chief Officers, save for two Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officers servicing the meeting and the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development, left the meeting when this item was considered. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development remained in the meeting, until the matter was to be voted upon, in order to provide any clarification required by Elected Members.
Part of an issue followed across 10 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (1) T H A T it be noted that at its meeting on 19th December 2024, Cabinet (the Executive) calculated the following amounts for the year 2025/26 in accordance with regulations made under Section 33(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:- (a) 63,970 being the amount calculated by Cabinet (the Executive) 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) Part of the Council’s area Barry 21,434 Colwinston 385 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 3,017 Dinas Powys 4,054 Ewenny 455 Llancarfan 495 Llandough 979 Llandow 443 Llanfair 393 Llangan 470 Llanmaes 252 Llantwit Major 4,384 Michaelston 244 Penarth 11,840 Pendoylan 367 Penllyn 1,181 Peterston-Super-Ely 549 St. Athan 1,756 St. Brides Major 1,504 St. Donats 212 St. Georges and St. Brides-Super-Ely 241 St. Nicholas and Bonvilston 775 Sully and Lavernock 2,849 Welsh St. Donats 333 Wenvoe 1,563 Wick 553 Total Council Tax Base Town and Community Councils 60,728 Rhoose 3,242 Total Council Tax Base 63,970 being the amounts calculated by Cabinet (the Executive), in accordance with regulation 6 of the Regulations, as amended, as the amounts of its council tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. (2) T H A T the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2025/26 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992: (a) Aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the £461,536,101 items set out in Section 32 (2) (a) to (d) and (2A) of the Act (including Town / Community Council Precepts totaling £3,850,614) (b) Aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the £127,651,000 items set out in Section 32 (3) (a), (aa) and (c), and (3A) of the Act (c) Amount by which the aggregate at (2)(a) above exceeds the £333,885,101 aggregate at (2)(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the year. (d) Aggregate of the sums which the Council estimates will be £224,157,740 payable for the year into its Council Fund in respect of redistributed non-domestic rates, revenue support grant, its council tax reduction scheme, additional grant or special grant less certain Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Reliefs (e) The amount at (2)(c) above less the amount at (2)(d) above, all £1,715.29 divided by the amount at (1)(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. (f) Aggregate amount of all special items referred to in Section £3,850,614 34(1) of the Act. (g) Amount at (2)(e) above less the result given by dividing the £1,655.10 amount at (2)(f) above by the amount at (1)(a) above, 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. (h) Part of the Council’s area £ Barry 1,718.44 Colwinston 1,708.74 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 1,772.61 Dinas Powys 1,692.96 Ewenny 1,707.85 Llancarfan 1,689.73 Llandough 1,729.66 Llandow 1,682.19 Llanfair 1,670.16 Llangan 1,680.17 Llanmaes 1,711.14 Llantwit Major 1,727.60 Michaelston 1,687.05 Penarth 1,745.34 Pendoylan 1,680.99 Penllyn 1,668.86 Peterston-Super-Ely 1,698.82 Rhoose 1,655.10 St. Athan 1,705.10 St. Brides Major 1,678.10 St. Donats 1,679.55 St. Georges and St. Brides-Super-Ely 1,686.22 St. Nicholas and Bonvilston 1,742.55 Sully and Lavernock 1,689.99 Welsh St. Donats 1,679.12 Wenvoe 1,682.82 Wick 1,671.37 being the amounts given by adding to the amount at (2)(g) above the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at (1)(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34 (3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its council tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. No. (i) Part of the Council's Area Valuation Bands £ A B C D E F G H I Barry 1,145.63 1,336.56 1,527.50 1,718.44 2,100.32 2,482.19 2,864.07 3,436.88 4,009.69 Colwinston 1,139.16 1,329.02 1,518.88 1,708.74 2,088.46 2,468.18 2,847.90 3,417.48 3,987.06 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 1,181.74 1,378.70 1,575.65 1,772.61 2,166.52 2,560.44 2,954.35 3,545.22 4,136.09 Dinas Powys 1,128.64 1,316.75 1,504.85 1,692.96 2,069.17 2,445.39 2,821.60 3,385.92 3,950.24 Ewenny 1,138.57 1,328.33 1,518.09 1,707.85 2,087.37 2,466.89 2,846.42 3,415.70 3,984.98 Llancarfan 1,126.49 1,314.23 1,501.98 1,689.73 2,065.23 2,440.72 2,816.22 3,379.46 3,942.70 Llandough 1,153.11 1,345.29 1,537.48 1,729.66 2,114.03 2,498.40 2,882.77 3,459.32 4,035.87 Llandow 1,121.46 1,308.37 1,495.28 1,682.19 2,056.01 2,429.83 2,803.65 3,364.38 3,925.11 Llanfair 1,113.44 1,299.01 1,484.59 1,670.16 2,041.31 2,412.45 2,783.60 3,340.32 3,897.04 Llangan 1,120.11 1,306.80 1,493.48 1,680.17 2,053.54 2,426.91 2,800.28 3,360.34 3,920.40 Llanmaes 1,140.76 1,330.89 1,521.01 1,711.14 2,091.39 2,471.65 2,851.90 3,422.28 3,992.66 Llantwit Major 1,151.73 1,343.69 1,535.64 1,727.60 2,111.51 2,495.42 2,879.33 3,455.20 4,031.07 Michaelston 1,124.70 1,312.15 1,499.60 1,687.05 2,061.95 2,436.85 2,811.75 3,374.10 3,936.45 Penarth 1,163.56 1,357.49 1,551.41 1,745.34 2,133.19 2,521.05 2,908.90 3,490.68 4,072.46 Pendoylan 1,120.66 1,307.44 1,494.21 1,680.99 2,054.54 2,428.10 2,801.65 3,361.98 3,922.31 Penllyn 1,112.57 1,298.00 1,483.43 1,668.86 2,039.72 2,410.58 2,781.43 3,337.72 3,894.01 Peterston-Super-Ely 1,132.55 1,321.30 1,510.06 1,698.82 2,076.34 2,453.85 2,831.37 3,397.64 3,963.91 Rhoose 1,103.40 1,287.30 1,471.20 1,655.10 2,022.90 2,390.70 2,758.50 3,310.20 3,861.90 St.Athan 1,136.73 1,326.19 1,515.64 1,705.10 2,084.01 2,462.92 2,841.83 3,410.20 3,978.57 St.Brides Major 1,118.73 1,305.19 1,491.64 1,678.10 2,051.01 2,423.92 2,796.83 3,356.20 3,915.57 St.Donats 1,119.70 1,306.32 1,492.93 1,679.55 2,052.78 2,426.02 2,799.25 3,359.10 3,918.95 St.Georges & St.Brides-Super-Ely 1,124.15 1,311.50 1,498.86 1,686.22 2,060.94 2,435.65 2,810.37 3,372.44 3,934.51 St.Nicholas and Bonvilston 1,161.70 1,355.32 1,548.93 1,742.55 2,129.78 2,517.02 2,904.25 3,485.10 4,065.95 Sully and Lavernock 1,126.66 1,314.44 1,502.21 1,689.99 2,065.54 2,441.10 2,816.65 3,379.98 3,943.31 Welsh St.Donats 1,119.41 1,305.98 1,492.55 1,679.12 2,052.26 2,425.40 2,798.53 3,358.24 3,917.95 Wenvoe 1,121.88 1,308.86 1,495.84 1,682.82 2,056.78 2,430.74 2,804.70 3,365.64 3,926.58 Wick 1,114.25 1,299.95 1,485.66 1,671.37 2,042.79 2,414.20 2,785.62 3,342.74 3,899.86 being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at (2)(g) and (2)(h) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5 (1/1A) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is 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 valuation bands. (3) That it be noted that for the year 2025/26 the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales has stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:- No. £ Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H I 252.45 294.52 336.60 378.67 462.82 546.97 631.12 757.34 883.56 (4) That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (2)(i) and (3) above , The Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council , in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2025/26. Part of the Council's Area £ Valuation Bands £ A B C D E F G H I Barry 1,398.08 1,631.08 1,864.10 2,097.11 2,563.14 3,029.16 3,495.19 4,194.22 4,893.25 Colwinston 1,391.61 1,623.54 1,855.48 2,087.41 2,551.28 3,015.15 3,479.02 4,174.82 4,870.62 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 1,434.19 1,673.22 1,912.25 2,151.28 2,629.34 3,107.41 3,585.47 4,302.56 5,019.65 Dinas Powys 1,381.09 1,611.27 1,841.45 2,071.63 2,531.99 2,992.36 3,452.72 4,143.26 4,833.80 Ewenny 1,391.02 1,622.85 1,854.69 2,086.52 2,550.19 3,013.86 3,477.54 4,173.04 4,868.54 Llancarfan 1,378.94 1,608.75 1,838.58 2,068.40 2,528.05 2,987.69 3,447.34 4,136.80 4,826.26 Llandough 1,405.56 1,639.81 1,874.08 2,108.33 2,576.85 3,045.37 3,513.89 4,216.66 4,919.43 Llandow 1,373.91 1,602.89 1,831.88 2,060.86 2,518.83 2,976.80 3,434.77 4,121.72 4,808.67 Llanfair 1,365.89 1,593.53 1,821.19 2,048.83 2,504.13 2,959.42 3,414.72 4,097.66 4,780.60 Llangan 1,372.56 1,601.32 1,830.08 2,058.84 2,516.36 2,973.88 3,431.40 4,117.68 4,803.96 Llanmaes 1,393.21 1,625.41 1,857.61 2,089.81 2,554.21 3,018.62 3,483.02 4,179.62 4,876.22 Llantwit Major 1,404.18 1,638.21 1,872.24 2,106.27 2,574.33 3,042.39 3,510.45 4,212.54 4,914.63 Michaelston 1,377.15 1,606.67 1,836.20 2,065.72 2,524.77 2,983.82 3,442.87 4,131.44 4,820.01 Penarth 1,416.01 1,652.01 1,888.01 2,124.01 2,596.01 3,068.02 3,540.02 4,248.02 4,956.02 Pendoylan 1,373.11 1,601.96 1,830.81 2,059.66 2,517.36 2,975.07 3,432.77 4,119.32 4,805.87 Penllyn 1,365.02 1,592.52 1,820.03 2,047.53 2,502.54 2,957.55 3,412.55 4,095.06 4,777.57 Peterston-Super-Ely 1,385.00 1,615.82 1,846.66 2,077.49 2,539.16 3,000.82 3,462.49 4,154.98 4,847.47 Rhoose 1,355.85 1,581.82 1,807.80 2,033.77 2,485.72 2,937.67 3,389.62 4,067.54 4,745.46 St.Athan 1,389.18 1,620.71 1,852.24 2,083.77 2,546.83 3,009.89 3,472.95 4,167.54 4,862.13 St.Brides Major 1,371.18 1,599.71 1,828.24 2,056.77 2,513.83 2,970.89 3,427.95 4,113.54 4,799.13 St.Donats 1,372.15 1,600.84 1,829.53 2,058.22 2,515.60 2,972.99 3,430.37 4,116.44 4,802.51 St.Georges & St.Brides-Super- Ely 1,376.60 1,606.02 1,835.46 2,064.89 2,523.76 2,982.62 3,441.49 4,129.78 4,818.07 St.Nicholas and Bonvilston 1,414.15 1,649.84 1,885.53 2,121.22 2,592.60 3,063.99 3,535.37 4,242.44 4,949.51 Sully and Lavernock 1,379.11 1,608.96 1,838.81 2,068.66 2,528.36 2,988.07 3,447.77 4,137.32 4,826.87 Welsh St.Donats 1,371.86 1,600.50 1,829.15 2,057.79 2,515.08 2,972.37 3,429.65 4,115.58 4,801.51 Wenvoe 1,374.33 1,603.38 1,832.44 2,061.49 2,519.60 2,977.71 3,435.82 4,122.98 4,810.14 Wick 1,366.70 1,594.47 1,822.26 2,050.04 2,505.61 2,961.17 3,416.74 4,100.08 4,783.42 (5) T H A T discount for prompt payment of the Council Tax be not granted. (6) T H A T the Common Seal be affixed to the said Council Tax. (7) T H A T notices of the making of the said Council Taxes signed by the Chief Executive be given by advertisement in the local press under Section 38 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. Reason for decisions (1-7) In order to set the Council Tax for 2025/26.
The Leader, in presenting the report, said it should be very straightforward having had the discussions and vote earlier in the meeting in respect of the revenue budget earlier and outlined the precept by local area including the Town and Community Councils and included the details of the Police and Crime Commissioner precept as well. This was an annual report that was presented to Council as part of setting the Council Tax and was for Council approval and so moved the resolutions, which was seconded by Councillor Brooks. A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report, as follows: Members For Against Abstain Anne Asbrey √ Julie Aviet √ Gareth Ball √ Rhiannon Birch √ Bronwen Brooks √ Gillian Bruce Ian Buckley √ Lis Burnett Samantha Campbell √ George Carroll √ Christine Cave √ Janice Charles √ Millie Collins √ Marianne Cowpe √ Pamela Drake √ Vincent Driscoll √ Anthony Ernest √ Christopher Franks √ Wendy Gilligan √ Russell Godfrey √ Emma Goodjohn √ Ewan Goodjohn √ Stephen Haines √ Sally Hanks √ William Hennessy Nic Hodges √ Mark Hooper √ Catherine Iannucci-Williams √ Gwyn John Dr. Ian Johnson √ Susan Lloyd-Selby √ Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √ Julie Lynch-Wilson √ Kevin Mahoney √ Naomi Marshallsea √ Michael Morgan √ Jayne Norman √ Helen Payne Sandra Perkes √ Ian Perry √ Joanna Protheroe √ Ruba Sivagnanam √ Carys Stallard √ Neil Thomas √ Rhys Thomas √ Steffan Wiliam √ Margaret Wilkinson √ Eddie Williams √ Mark Wilson Nicholas Wood √ TOTAL 24 20 The vote being carried, it was RESOLVED – (1) T H A T it be noted that at its meeting on 19th December 2024, Cabinet (the Executive) calculated the following amounts for the year 2025/26 in accordance with regulations made under Section 33(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:- (a) 63,970 being the amount calculated by Cabinet (the Executive) 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) Part of the Council’s area Barry 21,434 Colwinston 385 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 3,017 Dinas Powys 4,054 Ewenny 455 Llancarfan 495 Llandough 979 Llandow 443 Llanfair 393 Llangan 470 Llanmaes 252 Llantwit Major 4,384 Michaelston 244 Penarth 11,840 Pendoylan 367 Penllyn 1,181 Peterston-Super-Ely 549 St. Athan 1,756 St. Brides Major 1,504 St. Donats 212 St. Georges and St. Brides-Super-Ely 241 St. Nicholas and Bonvilston 775 Sully and Lavernock 2,849 Welsh St. Donats 333 Wenvoe 1,563 Wick 553 Total Council Tax Base Town and Community Councils 60,728 Rhoose 3,242 Total Council Tax Base 63,970 being the amounts calculated by Cabinet (the Executive), in accordance with regulation 6 of the Regulations, as amended, as the amounts of its council tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. (2) T H A T the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2025/26 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992: (a) Aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the £461,536,101 items set out in Section 32 (2) (a) to (d) and (2A) of the Act (including Town / Community Council Precepts totaling £3,850,614) (b) Aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the £127,651,000 items set out in Section 32 (3) (a), (aa) and (c), and (3A) of the Act (c) Amount by which the aggregate at (2)(a) above exceeds the £333,885,101 aggregate at (2)(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the year. (d) Aggregate of the sums which the Council estimates will be £224,157,740 payable for the year into its Council Fund in respect of redistributed non-domestic rates, revenue support grant, its council tax reduction scheme, additional grant or special grant less certain Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Reliefs (e) The amount at (2)(c) above less the amount at (2)(d) above, all £1,715.29 divided by the amount at (1)(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. (f) Aggregate amount of all special items referred to in Section £3,850,614 34(1) of the Act. (g) Amount at (2)(e) above less the result given by dividing the £1,655.10 amount at (2)(f) above by the amount at (1)(a) above, 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. (h) Part of the Council’s area £ Barry 1,718.44 Colwinston 1,708.74 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 1,772.61 Dinas Powys 1,692.96 Ewenny 1,707.85 Llancarfan 1,689.73 Llandough 1,729.66 Llandow 1,682.19 Llanfair 1,670.16 Llangan 1,680.17 Llanmaes 1,711.14 Llantwit Major 1,727.60 Michaelston 1,687.05 Penarth 1,745.34 Pendoylan 1,680.99 Penllyn 1,668.86 Peterston-Super-Ely 1,698.82 Rhoose 1,655.10 St. Athan 1,705.10 St. Brides Major 1,678.10 St. Donats 1,679.55 St. Georges and St. Brides-Super-Ely 1,686.22 St. Nicholas and Bonvilston 1,742.55 Sully and Lavernock 1,689.99 Welsh St. Donats 1,679.12 Wenvoe 1,682.82 Wick 1,671.37 being the amounts given by adding to the amount at (2)(g) above the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at (1)(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34 (3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its council tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. No. (i) Part of the Council's Area Valuation Bands £ A B C D E F G H I Barry 1,145.63 1,336.56 1,527.50 1,718.44 2,100.32 2,482.19 2,864.07 3,436.88 4,009.69 Colwinston 1,139.16 1,329.02 1,518.88 1,708.74 2,088.46 2,468.18 2,847.90 3,417.48 3,987.06 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 1,181.74 1,378.70 1,575.65 1,772.61 2,166.52 2,560.44 2,954.35 3,545.22 4,136.09 Dinas Powys 1,128.64 1,316.75 1,504.85 1,692.96 2,069.17 2,445.39 2,821.60 3,385.92 3,950.24 Ewenny 1,138.57 1,328.33 1,518.09 1,707.85 2,087.37 2,466.89 2,846.42 3,415.70 3,984.98 Llancarfan 1,126.49 1,314.23 1,501.98 1,689.73 2,065.23 2,440.72 2,816.22 3,379.46 3,942.70 Llandough 1,153.11 1,345.29 1,537.48 1,729.66 2,114.03 2,498.40 2,882.77 3,459.32 4,035.87 Llandow 1,121.46 1,308.37 1,495.28 1,682.19 2,056.01 2,429.83 2,803.65 3,364.38 3,925.11 Llanfair 1,113.44 1,299.01 1,484.59 1,670.16 2,041.31 2,412.45 2,783.60 3,340.32 3,897.04 Llangan 1,120.11 1,306.80 1,493.48 1,680.17 2,053.54 2,426.91 2,800.28 3,360.34 3,920.40 Llanmaes 1,140.76 1,330.89 1,521.01 1,711.14 2,091.39 2,471.65 2,851.90 3,422.28 3,992.66 Llantwit Major 1,151.73 1,343.69 1,535.64 1,727.60 2,111.51 2,495.42 2,879.33 3,455.20 4,031.07 Michaelston 1,124.70 1,312.15 1,499.60 1,687.05 2,061.95 2,436.85 2,811.75 3,374.10 3,936.45 Penarth 1,163.56 1,357.49 1,551.41 1,745.34 2,133.19 2,521.05 2,908.90 3,490.68 4,072.46 Pendoylan 1,120.66 1,307.44 1,494.21 1,680.99 2,054.54 2,428.10 2,801.65 3,361.98 3,922.31 Penllyn 1,112.57 1,298.00 1,483.43 1,668.86 2,039.72 2,410.58 2,781.43 3,337.72 3,894.01 Peterston-Super-Ely 1,132.55 1,321.30 1,510.06 1,698.82 2,076.34 2,453.85 2,831.37 3,397.64 3,963.91 Rhoose 1,103.40 1,287.30 1,471.20 1,655.10 2,022.90 2,390.70 2,758.50 3,310.20 3,861.90 St.Athan 1,136.73 1,326.19 1,515.64 1,705.10 2,084.01 2,462.92 2,841.83 3,410.20 3,978.57 St.Brides Major 1,118.73 1,305.19 1,491.64 1,678.10 2,051.01 2,423.92 2,796.83 3,356.20 3,915.57 St.Donats 1,119.70 1,306.32 1,492.93 1,679.55 2,052.78 2,426.02 2,799.25 3,359.10 3,918.95 St.Georges & St.Brides-Super-Ely 1,124.15 1,311.50 1,498.86 1,686.22 2,060.94 2,435.65 2,810.37 3,372.44 3,934.51 St.Nicholas and Bonvilston 1,161.70 1,355.32 1,548.93 1,742.55 2,129.78 2,517.02 2,904.25 3,485.10 4,065.95 Sully and Lavernock 1,126.66 1,314.44 1,502.21 1,689.99 2,065.54 2,441.10 2,816.65 3,379.98 3,943.31 Welsh St.Donats 1,119.41 1,305.98 1,492.55 1,679.12 2,052.26 2,425.40 2,798.53 3,358.24 3,917.95 Wenvoe 1,121.88 1,308.86 1,495.84 1,682.82 2,056.78 2,430.74 2,804.70 3,365.64 3,926.58 Wick 1,114.25 1,299.95 1,485.66 1,671.37 2,042.79 2,414.20 2,785.62 3,342.74 3,899.86 being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at (2)(g) and (2)(h) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5 (1/1A) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is 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 valuation bands. (3) That it be noted that for the year 2025/26 the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales has stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:- No. £ Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H I 252.45 294.52 336.60 378.67 462.82 546.97 631.12 757.34 883.56 (4) That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (2)(i) and (3) above , The Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council , in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2025/26. Part of the Council's Area £ Valuation Bands £ A B C D E F G H I Barry 1,398.08 1,631.08 1,864.10 2,097.11 2,563.14 3,029.16 3,495.19 4,194.22 4,893.25 Colwinston 1,391.61 1,623.54 1,855.48 2,087.41 2,551.28 3,015.15 3,479.02 4,174.82 4,870.62 Cowbridge with Llanblethian 1,434.19 1,673.22 1,912.25 2,151.28 2,629.34 3,107.41 3,585.47 4,302.56 5,019.65 Dinas Powys 1,381.09 1,611.27 1,841.45 2,071.63 2,531.99 2,992.36 3,452.72 4,143.26 4,833.80 Ewenny 1,391.02 1,622.85 1,854.69 2,086.52 2,550.19 3,013.86 3,477.54 4,173.04 4,868.54 Llancarfan 1,378.94 1,608.75 1,838.58 2,068.40 2,528.05 2,987.69 3,447.34 4,136.80 4,826.26 Llandough 1,405.56 1,639.81 1,874.08 2,108.33 2,576.85 3,045.37 3,513.89 4,216.66 4,919.43 Llandow 1,373.91 1,602.89 1,831.88 2,060.86 2,518.83 2,976.80 3,434.77 4,121.72 4,808.67 Llanfair 1,365.89 1,593.53 1,821.19 2,048.83 2,504.13 2,959.42 3,414.72 4,097.66 4,780.60 Llangan 1,372.56 1,601.32 1,830.08 2,058.84 2,516.36 2,973.88 3,431.40 4,117.68 4,803.96 Llanmaes 1,393.21 1,625.41 1,857.61 2,089.81 2,554.21 3,018.62 3,483.02 4,179.62 4,876.22 Llantwit Major 1,404.18 1,638.21 1,872.24 2,106.27 2,574.33 3,042.39 3,510.45 4,212.54 4,914.63 Michaelston 1,377.15 1,606.67 1,836.20 2,065.72 2,524.77 2,983.82 3,442.87 4,131.44 4,820.01 Penarth 1,416.01 1,652.01 1,888.01 2,124.01 2,596.01 3,068.02 3,540.02 4,248.02 4,956.02 Pendoylan 1,373.11 1,601.96 1,830.81 2,059.66 2,517.36 2,975.07 3,432.77 4,119.32 4,805.87 Penllyn 1,365.02 1,592.52 1,820.03 2,047.53 2,502.54 2,957.55 3,412.55 4,095.06 4,777.57 Peterston-Super-Ely 1,385.00 1,615.82 1,846.66 2,077.49 2,539.16 3,000.82 3,462.49 4,154.98 4,847.47 Rhoose 1,355.85 1,581.82 1,807.80 2,033.77 2,485.72 2,937.67 3,389.62 4,067.54 4,745.46 St.Athan 1,389.18 1,620.71 1,852.24 2,083.77 2,546.83 3,009.89 3,472.95 4,167.54 4,862.13 St.Brides Major 1,371.18 1,599.71 1,828.24 2,056.77 2,513.83 2,970.89 3,427.95 4,113.54 4,799.13 St.Donats 1,372.15 1,600.84 1,829.53 2,058.22 2,515.60 2,972.99 3,430.37 4,116.44 4,802.51 St.Georges & St.Brides-Super- Ely 1,376.60 1,606.02 1,835.46 2,064.89 2,523.76 2,982.62 3,441.49 4,129.78 4,818.07 St.Nicholas and Bonvilston 1,414.15 1,649.84 1,885.53 2,121.22 2,592.60 3,063.99 3,535.37 4,242.44 4,949.51 Sully and Lavernock 1,379.11 1,608.96 1,838.81 2,068.66 2,528.36 2,988.07 3,447.77 4,137.32 4,826.87 Welsh St.Donats 1,371.86 1,600.50 1,829.15 2,057.79 2,515.08 2,972.37 3,429.65 4,115.58 4,801.51 Wenvoe 1,374.33 1,603.38 1,832.44 2,061.49 2,519.60 2,977.71 3,435.82 4,122.98 4,810.14 Wick 1,366.70 1,594.47 1,822.26 2,050.04 2,505.61 2,961.17 3,416.74 4,100.08 4,783.42 (5) T H A T discount for prompt payment of the Council Tax be not granted. (6) T H A T the Common Seal be affixed to the said Council Tax. (7) T H A T notices of the making of the said Council Taxes signed by the Chief Executive be given by advertisement in the local press under Section 38 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. Reason for decisions (1-7) In order to set the Council Tax for 2025/26.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C180, 28th November 2024), 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. HOUSING PAS2035 RETROFIT SCHEME 2024/25 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C186, 28th November 2024), 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. HOUSING PAS2035 RETROFIT SCHEME 2024/25 (PART II) (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C190, 28th November 2024), 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. APPROPRIATION OF TWO PROPERTIES FROM HOUSING STOCK TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C209, 19th December 2024), 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. CARDIFF AND VALE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C215, 19th December 2024), 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. CARDIFF AND VALE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (PART II) (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C219, 19th December 2024), 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. CAR PARKING (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C228, 9th January 2025), 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. INITIAL BUDGET 2025/26 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2024/25 TO 2029/30 PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTATION (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C234, 16th January 2025), 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. DRAFT CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C235, 16th January 2025), (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.
CAPITAL MONITORING FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C180, 28th November 2024), 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. HOUSING PAS2035 RETROFIT SCHEME 2024/25 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C186, 28th November 2024), 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. HOUSING PAS2035 RETROFIT SCHEME 2024/25 (PART II) (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C190, 28th November 2024), 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. APPROPRIATION OF TWO PROPERTIES FROM HOUSING STOCK TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C209, 19th December 2024), 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. CARDIFF AND VALE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C215, 19th December 2024), 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. CARDIFF AND VALE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (PART II) (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C219, 19th December 2024), 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. CAR PARKING (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C228, 9th January 2025), 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. INITIAL BUDGET 2025/26 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2024/25 TO 2029/30 PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTATION (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C234, 16th January 2025), 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. DRAFT CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C235, 16th January 2025), (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.
Part of an issue followed across 8 meetings
The following responses to Member questions as contained within the agenda were presented: (i) Question from Councillor W.A. Hennessy Why is an essential service like the Authority’s Council Tax Department not open to the public five days a week? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources The Council Tax service is open to the public five days a week. (ii) Question from Councillor M.J. Hooper Could the Leader please update Council on progress of the Making Waves Project, including whether the revised project can be delivered within budgetary constraints? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources Work continues on the Barry Making Waves project. The project will further enhance Barry Waterfront, with a new watersports centre, marina, park, and the redevelopment of the historic Dock Office into commercial space. While cost challenges are expected in a project of this scale (£19.9M), the Council remains confident it can be delivered within budget and is working closely with partners to finalise the delivery plan. Supplemental Councillor Hooper asked if project timescales could be confirmed, with the Leader responding that they are signing off final agreements with UK Government ahead of submission a planning application later this year. (iii) Question from Councillor G. Bruce Why is it so difficult for a person under the age of 50 to get a Council property to fit their needs? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Public Sector Housing and Tenant Engagement The Council historically has a significant shortage of single persons dwellings. Just 29% of the housing stock is comprised of one bedroom accommodation and taking out sheltered accommodation and properties designated for OAPs, means there are just 310 Council homes for single people who are aged below 60. This equates to 7.8% of the council housing stock. There is also a significant number of single people and couples on the housing waiting list, requiring one bedroom accommodation with 4,120 applicants registered as at 4 March 25 (of which 2,965 are single applicants aged under 60). Consequently, there are significant homeless pressures, and the Council has provided homelessness advice and assistance to over 400 single people during the last financial year. Another issue relates to the Local Housing Allowance and the fact that single people, under 35, can’t access benefits (other than shared room rate), limiting opportunities that might exist in the private rented sector. The Council and RSL partners prioritise a proportion of new dwellings for single persons and couples, to increase the stock of accommodation available. (iv) Question from Councillor C.P. Franks What discussions have Cabinet Members and Officers held with Community Centre Trustees about proposals to transfer ownerships to the community? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources We have not yet commenced discussions on the future management arrangements for Community Centres with the various Community Centre Associations. We have been waiting for the budget to be finalised and will then engage with them accordingly. Supplemental Councillor Franks asked how the £50,000 (approximately) allocated against this area in savings could be delivered if there has been no engagement yet, to which the Leader responded that this is a forecasted estimate, and that the budget is regularly reviewed highlighting around the delivery of savings. They also highlighted how conversations are starting with community centres, with varying levels of support needed. (v) Question from Councillor G.D.D. Carroll How many Diversity, Equalities and Inclusion officers or associated roles does the Council employ and what is the total annual cost to the Council of these roles? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources I admit to not fully understanding the purpose of this question. We employ approximately 5,400 and all of our colleagues have a responsibility (Equality Act 2010, Public Sector Equality Duty, 2011) to promote and respect diversity, equalities and inclusion as it is a legislative requirement. Add to that the 54 Councillors who are in a similar position and have a duty to be inclusive when engaging with residents and constituents. Supplemental Councillor Carroll asked for the number of people employed within these roles, to which the Leader emphasised their previous answer of everyone having a responsibility, whilst also sharing that there were a few officers within equalities team, who have no greater duties (other than enabling statutory functions), than previously mentioned. (vi) Question from Councillor A.M. Collins What is the current business vacancy rate in each of the five town centres in the Vale of Glamorgan? Reply from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places Vacancy rates are just one measure of a town centre's health. The Economic Development Team is working with Data Cymru and the Welsh Government's Smart Towns initiative to develop a broader set of indicators to inform a more comprehensive assessment in the future. The current vacancy rates for the 5 recorded town centres are as follows: Holton Rd 12%, High St./Broad St. 8.9%, Llantwit Major 5%, Penarth 4.5% and Cowbridge 14.6%. These figures are obtained annually as part of the Local Development Plan monitoring process. Cowbridge and Llantwit Major have deteriorated slightly since the last survey in 2023 but both Barry centres and Penarth have improved. The average vacancy rate for Wales in 2023 (the latest figure we have) was between 16.5 and 17%. Supplemental Councillor Collins asked what would be done to reduce these vacancies bring life to the High Street, to which Councillor Brooks responded this is an ongoing piece of work, and that the Council will be working with the Barry Partnership in 2025/26 to support the town as a whole, including Holton rd. and will be developing a Regeneration Plan jointly with the Council as part of the recently released Plan for Neighbourhoods (formerly known as the Long Term Plan for Towns). The Plan will include a 4 year investment programme with a focus on Barry. (vii) Question from Councillor G.D.D. Carroll What analysis has the Council undertaken on the impacts of its work from home policy on the Authority’s output? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources The Council does not have a 'work from home' policy. Supplemental Councillor Carroll asked about the impact of working home on the Council’s productivity, to which the Leader responded it is difficult to answer a question on a policy which does not exist, but that the Council has a Hybrid Working strategy and associated policy. The policy allows line managers and chief officers to work with their teams to determine any hybrid working arrangements. This is often to the Council’s benefit of people being in the right place at the right time and being able to attract employees. Only a small number of staff are eligible from 5400 employees, with significant amount working in housing and environment, social services, schools and C1V, who are out in Communities supporting people daily. The policy is in place for a small number of staff who can work in the best place for themselves and the organisation according to their duties. (viii) Question from Dr. I.J. Johnson When will the new Ysgol Iolo Morgannwg open? Reply from the Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language It is anticipated that construction at the site will begin in January 2026, following successful tender, design and planning and SAB application phases. The current building handover in planned for April 2027. Supplemental Councillor Dr. Johnson asked around the reason for the change in timescales, as the consultation initially aimed for September 2025, to which Councillor Birch responded that they will need to find out further details and will inform members if any future slippage. (ix) Question from Councillor G.D.D. Carroll Which Artificial Intelligence services does the Authority currently use to assist with service provision? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources The Council sees a significant opportunity to utilise AI to enhance service delivery while ensuring security, safety, and ethical considerations remain central to our approach. This is set out within the Digital Strategy which is a key part of the Reshaping Programme. To enable safe and effective use, we have rolled out AI training for staff and are finalising a campaign—including updated policies—to support responsible adoption. Many of the third-party digital tools that are currently used across the organisation, such as Adobe PDF Reader, Figma, and Canva, include AI functionality. We support colleagues to safely use these. One area of particular focus is the use of Microsoft CoPilot. This allows us to use AI within our Microsoft environment without our data being used for external model training. We are currently undergoing a CoPilot Readiness Assessment, supported by the WLGA, to identify the changes required for safe implementation. Due to the cost implications, we will conduct trials in carefully selected areas where clear and sustainable value can be demonstrated before considering any wider adoption. Beyond Microsoft, we are actively developing partnerships with vendors to explore AI use cases. We are working with Amazon on trials that go beyond individual applications, aiming to create reusable AI-powered microservices that can be deployed in multiple ways to optimise costs. One of the first implementations will be AI-assisted translation tools, enabling quick and efficient document creation in different languages, as well as ‘easy-read’ versions. A Proof of Concept (PoC) has been agreed for AI-assisted transcription, report generation, and documentation, with Social Care as the initial use case and work will commence in the next few weeks. Given the time-consuming nature of assessments and report writing, we anticipate significant benefits from this implementation. Following evaluation, we will determine whether to continue with a purchased product, leverage Microsoft solutions, or develop an in-house tool – potentially in collaboration with other Local Authorities. AI opportunities in the Contact Centre are also being explored. We are taking an iterative approach to ensure AI enhances customer experience rather than creating frustration. Our focus areas include: • Optimising call handling by enabling staff to retrieve information faster, reducing call and wait times; • Trialling AI-driven call handling to manage the initial stages of a call before handing over to a human agent; • Deploying automated call handling and chatbots for high-volume, low-value transactions – while ensuring a seamless transition to a human where required; • Developing AI-powered bots across web, messaging, and voice channels to handle routine enquiries effectively. A key consideration in our approach is that human interaction often helps identify underlying issues, enabling early intervention. For example, a routine request for a bin collection might reveal a resident in need of additional support, potentially preventing costly health or care interventions. AI will be used to complement, not replace, this critical aspect of service delivery. Our Digital Roadmap and Strategy prioritises building a secure, scalable infrastructure that enables us to fully harness AI, automation, and data insights. Over the next 12–18 months, we will implement several changes to ensure long-term digital transformation and service improvements. Supplemental Councillor Carroll asked if AI provided the opportunity to increase productivity and improve value for money, to which the Leader responded there should be improved performance and support for the people of the Vale of Glamorgan. (x) Question from Councillor J.E. Charles How much has the Council paid out in redundancy payments in each of the past 5 years? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources In the past 5 years, the redundancy payments are as follows: Year Exit Payments (£) 23-24 595,444.14 22-23 57,097.10 21-22 70,056.00 20-21 90,036.70 19-20 294,833.87 Supplemental Councillor Charles asked if the current policy was financially sustainable in the longer term, to which the Leader responded that all are assessed on a cost versus reason basis, that the maximum payment is quite low, and that these are formed on the basis of what is more effective for the Council in the longer term. (xi) Question from Councillor J.E. Charles What are the cost implications to the Authority of its flexible retirement policy? Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources We are not able to provide a figure in relation to the total cost of this policy. However, I can confirm that all of our flexible working requests are considered and managed within directorate budgets. It is for line managers to plan and manage their resources and teams effectively to meet the needs of our communities within that financial envelope. Supplemental Councillor Charles asked if Council will commit to reviewing the policy to ensure cost effective and beneficial to service delivery, to which the Leader responded they were unsure of ask, but clarified that all requests for flexible retirement are considered in line with Council policy and often allow the Council to retain acquired and essential skills and impart key knowledge and experience as part of a planned process of retirement to other team members. This is seen as a positive, to often allow a long serving member of staff the ability to take a gradual approach to retirement, whilst sharing acquired skills, knowledge and experience which benefits the Council in the long run, and that there is no need to review a positive policy.
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