To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interest (if any) from Members/Officers in accordance with the provisions of the Members’ Code of Conduct adopted by Council from 1 September 2008.

Councillor PJ White declared a prejudicial Interest in agenda item 22 – Remodelling Older Persons Accommodation and Extra Care Housing as his mother in law is a resident of Glanyrafon and a close relative works at Hyfrydol.   Councillor White withdrew from the meeting during consideration of this item. 

To receive for approval the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet of 27 June 2017.

RESOLVED:            That the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet of 27 June 2017 be approved as a true and accurate record.

To provide Cabinet with an update on the Council’s financial position as at 30th June 2017.

The Head of Finance reported on an update on the Council’s financial position as at 30 June 2017. 

He informed Cabinet that Council on 1 March 2017 had approved a net revenue budget of £258.093 million for 2017-18 along with a capital programme of £63.854 million, which had been updated to £67.579m taking into account new approvals.  He reported that the overall projected position at 30 June 2017 was a net under spend of £1.209m, comprising £292,000 net over spend on directorates and £1.501m net under spend on corporate budgets.  He explained the reasons for the number of virements between budgets which had taken place stated the approval of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.     

He reported that Cabinet had been informed at its meeting on 27 June 2017, that of the £7.477m budget reductions proposals for 2016-17, £2.385m were not met in full, with a shortfall in the financial year of £1.845m.  He stated that there remained an ongoing projected shortfall of £755k in 2017-18.  He informed Cabinet that the budget for 2017-18 included reduction proposals totaling £5.852m, showed a projected shortfall on the savings target of £1.770m and he outlined the most significant budget reduction proposals that were unlikely to be achieved.  He summarised the financial position for each service area and informed Cabinet that a further review would be undertaken of the projected outturn at quarter 2 and any draw down from earmarked reserves would be undertaken at that time.

The Head of Finance reported on the monitoring of the Capital Programme for 2017-18, the original budget for which had been further revised and approved by Council during the year to incorporate budgets brought forward from 2016-17 and any new schemes and grant approvals.  The revised programme totals £67.579m, of which £47.672m is met from the Council’s resources, including capital receipts and revenue contributions from earmarked reserves, with the remaining £19.907m coming from external resources. 

The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations questioned whether the projected over spend of £2.006m in the Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate was attributed to the prevention and wellbeing agenda.  The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing informed Cabinet that it was about the Council doing things differently by enabling people to stay independent, by intervention at an earlier stage and the development of community infrastructure.  She stated that this about cost avoidance by keeping people living independently as opposed to savings being made. 

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet noted the projected revenue and capital outturn position for 2016-17.               

To update Cabinet on the development of the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2018-19 to 2021-22.

The Section 151 Officer reported on an update on the development of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2018-19 to 2021-22.

He stated that the MTFS is set within the context of UK economic and public expenditure plans, Welsh Government priorities influencing settlements and legislation which defines the scope the Council has to raise income from council tax and to borrow for capital expenditure.  It also includes all elements of the Council’s financial strategy for the next four years, with emphasis on planned budget reductions necessary to achieve a balanced budget.  It encompassed the Capital Strategy to ensure that capital investment proposals are prioritised and evaluated in accordance with asset management principles and contribute towards the Council achieving its strategic and service priorities. 

The Section 151 Officer informed Cabinet that following the 2017 General Election, the Government had signaled a possible relaxation of the austerity agenda with the Chancellor of the Exchequer having already retargeted deficit elimination. He stated that while details of any changes would not be clear until the autumn statement, there was the possibility of favourable implications for public sector funding overall.  There was also a rising tide of opinion over the abandonment of the public sector pay cap.  He also stated that funding for the Welsh Government would inevitably be affected by the Barnett Consequential and would depend upon the spending decisions made by the UK Government.  He informed Cabinet that there had been a significant rise in inflation in recent months, which was likely to persist over the medium term.  He stated that reductions in external finance had been exacerbated by additional pressures over and above inflation, which include demographic changes leading to increased social care costs as well as the apprenticeship levy.  He informed Cabinet that the Welsh Local Government Association in July 2017 had estimated that Welsh Councils face pressures of up to £762m over the next four years.

The Section 151 officer reported that against this background and in the absence of further information on likely future settlements, the Council would continue to work towards a most likely scenario in the MTFS of a reduction of -3.2% in Aggregate External Financing.  He also informed Cabinet that alternative scenarios had been developed of a best scenario of a reduction of -1.5% and a worst case scenario of -4.5%.  He stated that the Council would be required to make budget reductions of £23 million given the best case scenario, added to the £40m the Council had reduced budgets over the last five years. 

The Section 151 Officer reported that there had been a significant and growing number of budget reduction proposals which were proving challenging to implement either in part or full.  He stated that in Bridgend, as with many councils had been able to achieve an underspend position in recent years, which was forecast in 2017-18 and evident of the strong financial resilience of the council. 

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help informed Cabinet that he had today attended a pay  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

To present to Cabinet the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales Inspection of Children’s Services Report and related Action Plan and request that that Cabinet endorse the action plan and arrangements for monitoring the actions. 

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing presented the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales Inspection of Children's Services (CSSIW) Inspection of Children’s Services Report and related Action Plan.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported that the CSSIW had worked together with key stakeholders to develop a new framework for local authority inspection, engagement and performance review.  She stated that the inspection in Children’s Social Care in Bridgend focused on how children and families are encompassed to access help and care and support services and on the quality of outcomes achieved for children in need of help, care and support and/or protection, including children who have recently become looked after by the local authority.  The inspection also evaluated the quality of leadership, management and governance arrangements in place to develop and support service delivery.  As part of its inspection, the CSSIW inspected the work by assessing a sample of 20 cases out of a total of 65 cases.  The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing informed Cabinet that the CSSIW had recently presented its findings and action plan to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 20 July 2017. 

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported that the inspectors had found that the authority had worked hard in the context of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 to reshape its services during a period of significant change and impending transition of services to a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).  She stated that the Inspectors were already taking steps to look at the impact services were having on reducing need and risk and the authority was working hard to transform children’s social services at a time when it had to deliver medium term financial savings.  The Inspectors found that the Council had positively begun work to develop a more comprehensive evidenced based commissioning plan that would be key to the delivery of its early help and permanence strategy. 

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing informed Cabinet that an Action Plan had been developed in response to the recommendations made by the CSSIW, which would be monitored by the Early Help and Safeguarding Board. 

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help thanked the Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing, Head of Children’s Social Care and the team of officers for their support in work with the CSSIW during the course of the inspection.  He also thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for its positive comments on the inspection.  He stated that the comments made by the CSSIW on staff morale would be taken on board and staff would shortly receive a Corporate Employee Survey.  He also urged all Members to attend rota visiting training arranged by the Directorate.  The Leader requested that Cabinet receive a further report on progress being made on the Action Plan.  The Cabinet Member Communities recognised the efforts made by staff and was appreciative of their efforts in supporting the Inspection. 

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet:

(1)          received the CSSIW report on the inspection of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

To endorse the principles of the Partnership Agreement (S33) for Western Bay Programme Infrastructure; Authorise the Corporate Director of Social Services and Wellbeing to arrange for the execution of the final version of the Partnership Agreement on behalf of the Council in consultation with the Corporate Director Operational and Partnership Services and the Section 151 Officer; authorise the Corporate Director of Social Services and Wellbeing, in consultation with the Corporate Director, Operational and Partnership Services and the Section 151 Officer, to make any future minor changes to the executed Partnership Agreement.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported on partnership funding arrangements in relation to the Western Bay programme infrastructure and to establish a pooled fund arrangement hosted by the City and County of Swansea. 

She reported that the Western Bay programme has evolved and is now managing and overseeing a range of collaborative services and activities across the region, with the Regional Partnership Board providing strategic oversight and direction to Western Bay.  The regional partnership arrangements and work programmes are supported by the Western Bay Programme Office, hosted by the City and County of Swansea.  She stated that a Partnership (S33) Agreement will formalise the arrangements for the Programme Office and establish a pooled fund arrangement drawing on the Revenue Support Grant and the Integrated Care Fund. 

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported that the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 has brought about new requirements on partners in the way that services are delivered and the outcomes for citizens.  She stated that Part 9 of the Act specifically brings legislative requirements on partners relating to partnership arrangements and requires local authorities and the health board to make arrangements to promote co-operation with their relevant partners and others, in relation to adults with needs for care and support, carers and children.  It also provides Welsh Ministers with regulation making powers in relation to formal partnership arrangements, resources for partnership arrangements (including pooled funds) and partnership boards.  The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing informed Cabinet there was a statutory requirement for Directors of Social Services to ensure that partnership working arrangements are in place and are delivering improved effectiveness and efficiency in relation to the delivery of care and support services to address care and support needs, and support needs for carers, identified in the population needs assessment.  She stated that the Partnership (S33) Agreement has been developed to reflect the agreed partnership contributions required to support the Western Bay Programme Office in accordance with legislation which enables the Health Board and Local Authorities to pool funds to enable the provision of shared services.

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help in commending the proposal commented on the contribution made by the Council for its part in the Western Bay collaboration.  The Leader hoped that the Council would continue with its good track record on collaboration as it moves to a new collaboration with the Cwm Taf Health Board following the recent announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Finance.     

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet:

(1)          Endorsed the principles of the Partnership Agreement (S33) for Western bay Programme Infrastructure, whereby the City and County of Swansea is the host authority, with the three statutory partners of BCBC, Neath Port Talbot CBC, and the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board, to include a pooled fund for the staffing costs for the Western Bay Programme Office;

(2)          Authorised the Corporate Director of Social Services and Wellbeing to arrange for the execution of the final version of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To provide Cabinet with an update of the work undertaken since Cabinet granted approval to implement a new model for specialist 52-week provision for children and young people with complex needs, and to request approval of the Statement of Purpose that has been developed for the new provision

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported on an update of the work undertaken to implement a new model for specialist 52-week provision for children and young people with complex needs and sought approval of the Statement of Purpose developed for the new provision. 

She stated that following approval by Cabinet in October 2016 of proposals to develop specialist 52 week provision at Heronsbridge School, a project team initiated project plans to take the project forward.  She informed Cabinet that children and young people attending Heronsbridge School were asked to provide suggestions for the name of the home, who proposed the name ‘Harwood House’, which is the surname of the current caretaker at the school and also in keeping with how the other buildings at the school are named. 

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported that refurbishment and building works at the Caretaker’s Lodge were due to be completed in August 2017 and an application process undertaken to register the new provision with the CSSIW and a Statement of Purpose covering the key points indicated was being presented for approval.  It was hoped that the registration process would be completed by September 2017 to enable the first cohort of individuals to be placed within the provision.

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help in commending the proposal stated that the provision would not only accommodate children and young people from within the County Borough but would also be made available to other authorities.  The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations was pleased to note that introducing 52 week provision is excellent news for residents of the County Borough who currently have to access out of county placements.  The Leader in supporting the proposal stated that the 52 week provision would support the needs of local children with the most complex needs, including autism, when children have to be placed outside of the community and authority.

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet:

(1)        Noted the information contained in the report;

(2)       Approved the Statement of Purpose for the new 52-week provision for children and young people with complex needs, as provided in Appendix A to the report;

Noted that an Information Report will be presented to Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting in October 2017, detailing the information contained in this report, and the decision made by Cabinet in respect of approving the Statement of Purpose for the new 52-week provision for children and young people with complex needs.           

To seek approval for changes to the Authority’s Community Asset Transfer policy to ensure that Priority 1 asset transfers can be progressed efficiently and effectively until such time as a comprehensive sports pavilion and playing fields strategy is developed which will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration in due course. 

The Corporate Director Communities sought approval for changes to the Authority’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) policy to ensure that Priority 1 asset transfers can be progressed efficiently and effectively until such time as a comprehensive sports pavilion and playing fields strategy is developed to be presented to the Cabinet for consideration in due course. 

He reported that the authority had recognised due to significant budgetary constraints, services could no longer operate at previous levels and there was a need to explore alternative methods of service delivery.  He stated that the Refurbishment and management of Sports Pavilions approved by cabinet on 4 February 2014 had identified £3.85m of repairs required to sports pavilions.  A sum of £1m of capital funding had been approved by Council in February 2014 to improve the condition of self-managed sports pavilions in partnership with users.  In July 2015, Cabinet agreed to undertake a phased approach to Community Asset Transfer with the first tranche focusing on the transfer of Priority 1 assets - sports pavilions, community centres, bus shelters and public conveniences.  A Community Asset Transfer Officer came into post in November 2015.  He informed Cabinet that the Rural Development Programme had commissioned a review to determine the impact of CATs on clubs and societies. 

He reported that to date, only £110,000 had been awarded to Bryncethin RFC to assist with the upgrading of its pavilion, thereby reducing the balance of available funding to £890,000.  Since the Allocation of funding to Bryncethin RFC further work has been recently undertaken on estimating the repair cost required on the pavilion stock, which found that the situation has changed since the 2014 with the majority of pavilions requiring increasingly expensive repairs across the majority of premises.  Bryncethin RFC would therefore be the only CAT project to be allocated funding based upon the original 40% of the estimated cost of refurbishment for each pavilion set out under the ‘Refurbishment and Management of Sports Pavilions’ Report.  It was proposed that a maximum contribution of up to £50,000 towards repairs or refurbishment works per CAT transfer is set to enable individual CAT projects to be progressed, subject to business case approval, while a formal funding mechanism is established.  However, where the argument for increased levels of funding is clearly presented in a strong business case then amounts in excess of £50,000 may also be considered. 

The Corporate Director Communities also reported that expressions of interest have been approved by the Corporate Property Group or the Strong Communities Connecting Services (SCCS) Board depending on the complexity of the project.  The SCCS Board has indicated that the detailed discussions on CAT are taking up a considerable proportion of its time and of limited interest to partners, and the SCCS Board has requested that discussions and decisions relating to CAT should be transferred elsewhere within the Authority.  A CAT Steering Group has been established to oversee the transfer of Priority 1 assets.  It was proposed that the CAT Steering Group should also have responsibility for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To seek Cabinet approval for the submission of a full application to the Rural Development Plan for Wales Sustainable Management Scheme and, if successful, to accept the resulting funding offer and enter into appropriate agreements. 

The Corporate Director Communities sought approval for the submission of a full application to the Rural Development Plan for Wales Sustainable Management Scheme and, if successful, to accept the resulting funding offer and enter into appropriate agreements.

He stated that the Sustainable Management Scheme (SMS) forms part of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) (2014-2020) and provides financial support for a range of activities that will improve the management of natural resources and in doing so contribute to the well-being of rural communities.  Grant funding ranged from a minimum of £10,000 to a maximum of £700,000. 

The Corporate Director Communities reported that an Expression of Interestwas submitted to the SMS for this project in May 2016 but, despite achieving high scores on a number of key assessment criteria, was unsuccessful due to over subscription.  A revised Expression of Interest was subsequently submitted and was approved in March 2017 with an invitation to submit a second stage application by September 2017.  He informed Cabinet that the project aimed to form a collaboration of nature reserve managers (local authority and NRW), landowners, golf clubs and farmers to sustainably manage the coastal landscape, improve the ecosystems in that landscape, increase biodiversity and connectivity between the two dune systems.  He indicated that the collaboration will support the golf clubs to obtain the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) Certified ecolabel demonstrating their ongoing sustainable performance.  If successful would be the first Welsh golf courses to obtain this certification.  The project will improve walking opportunities and manage the impact of those walkers through better signage and path improvements.   

The Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration in welcoming the proposal to form a collaboration of nature reserve managers commented on the number of designations in place in the Kenfig area.  He stated there was a need to raise awareness of the new partnership and requested on the progress being made on the future management of the partnership.

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet:

(1)          Delegated authority to the Corporate Director Communities to further develop the detail of the project as outlined in the report in partnership with local, regional and national stakeholders and submit, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, the full application and accept any resulting funding offer;

(2)          Delegated authority to the Corporate Director Communities upon receipt of any resulting funding offer, to put in place the required legal and management agreements in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Corporate Director Operational and Partnership Services;    

Requested an additional report on the progress being made on the future management of the partnership.    

To seek Cabinet’s approval to consult formally with the parents, staff and governing body of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd and other interested parties on the proposal to establish a learning resource centre for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd. 

The Interim Corporate Director Education and Family Support sought approval to formally consult with the parents, staff and governing body of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd and other interested parties on the proposal to establish a learning resource centre for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd.  He informed Cabinet that consultation must take place in term time in accordance with the statutory code and consultation will not commence until 5 September 2017.

He reported that there is a focus in the Welsh Education Strategic Plan that Welsh medium provision for learners with ALN is extended to provide additional learning needs provision through the medium of Welsh during all stages of education.  He stated that if the proposal was approved it would mean that:

·         a learning resource centre at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd for a maximum of 12 pupils with ASD would be established from 8 January 2018;

·         there would be a graduated intake from 8 January 2018 and the admissions for the learning resource centre would be decided upon through an admissions panel;

·         the learning resource centre would be an integrated part of the mainstream school, providing an appropriate environment in which pupils can develop and thrive within their peer group and have normal access to mainstream curriculum, where appropriate;

·         the learning resource centre would provide specialist learning facilities within the school. It would also provide specialist expertise in respect of ASD to mainstream classes; and

·         the Council supports the principles that, as far as possible, children should be educated within a mainstream school environment and as near to their home as possible (the proposal of establishing a learning resource centre at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd would afford those children with ASD, who speak Welsh in the Bridgend County Borough, to be educated within a Welsh-medium school).        

He informed Cabinet that pupils would have access to individual, small group and whole class experiences and mainstream pupils at the school with ASD would also benefit from the proposal. He stated there was also a proposal to establish a Welsh- medium ASD learning resource centre in one of the Welsh-medium feeder primary schools and once the feeder primary school had been identified a report would be submitted to Cabinet to undergo a consultation exercise.

The Cabinet Wellbeing and Future Generations welcomed the proposal as it would provide much needed provision for pupils with ASD attending Welsh medium education.  The Cabinet Member Communities asked whether the expertise at Ysgol Bryn Castell could be tapped into.  The Interim Corporate Director Education and Family Support informed Cabinet that there is a duty on the authority to consult with Ysgol Bryn Castell on the proposal. 

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet agreed to consult formally on the proposal to establish a Learning Resource Centre for pupils with ASD at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, and for the outcome of the consultation to be reported back to Cabinet, so that an informed decision can then be made on the proposal, with effect from 8 January 2018.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To seek approval from Cabinet to consult on the proposal to make a regulated alteration to Coychurch Primary School in the form of an enlargement with effect from 1 January 2018.

The Interim Corporate Director Education and Family Support sought approval to consult on the proposal to make a regulated alteration to Coychurch Primary School in the form of an enlargement with effect from 1 January 2018. He informed Cabinet that temporary capacity had been increased at the school by installing a double mobile classroom on the school site in 2013.  However due to the increase in pupil numbers at the school, there was a need for the capacity increase to be made permanent. 

The Interim Corporate Director Education and Family Support reported that in order to continue to accommodate pupil numbers, it has become necessary for the school to utilise the double mobile classroom installed in 2013 which was originally intended to be used for teaching and storage and since 2012 has been used consistently for teaching purposes.  He stated that there was a need to formalise the temporary arrangement in order to comply with the School Organisation Code and in order to bring about a change of this nature, the Code required that a consultation exercise take place.  If carried through to completion, the proposal would come into effect on 1 January 2018.

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet approved that consultation can be conducted with the governing body, staff, parents, pupils and all other interested parties, as set out in the School Organisation Code, on a proposal to make a regulated alteration to Coychurch Primary School, in the form of an enlargement with effect from 1 January 2018, with the outcome of the consultation being reported to Cabinet in due course.   

To request Cabinet approval to modify the decision in respect of the opening date of the replacement Pencoed Primary School from 1 April 2018 to 5 September 2018. 

The Interim Corporate Director Education and Family Support sought approval to modify the decision the opening date of the replacement Pencoed Primary School from 1 April 2018 to 5 September 2018.

He informed Cabinet that works for the construction of the new Pencoed Primary School were due to commence at the end of March 2017, in readiness for the opening of the new school on 1 April 2018.  However, delays to the commencement of construction had been incurred due to the negotiations with the lowest priced tenderer down to an amount that was within the approved scheme budget.  He stated that the delay in commencement had resulted in a planned start date of 17 July 2017, with current completion of the construction programme estimated as 16 July 2018. 

The Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration in commending the proposal was pleased to note that the Head teacher and Chair of Governors were in agreement with the proposed modification to the school opening date.

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet approved the modification of the decision to amend the opening date of the new Pencoed Primary School from 1 April 2018 to 5 September 2018.     

To seek approval from Cabinet for the appointment of local authority governors to the school governing bodies listed in the report. 

The Interim Corporate Director Education and Family Support sought approval for the appointment of Local Authority Governors to the school governing bodies listed. 

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet approved the appointments listed.  

To gain approval from Cabinet for the amended Corporate Health and Safety (H&S) Policy at Appendix A to the report.

The Interim Corporate Director Education and Family Support sought approval of the amended Corporate Health and Safety Policy.

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet approved the revised Corporate Health and Safety Policy.

To consider three proposals to vary the current Bridgend County Borough hackney carriage table of fares. Proposals have been received by Mr James Borland and Mr Richard Parrott, Mr Tom Burke, and Mr Dario Nelson.

The report was withdrawn and deferred to the next meeting of Cabinet. 

To inform Cabinet of the Information Reports for noting which have been published since its last scheduled meeting.

The Corporate Director Operational and Partnership Services presented a report, the purpose of which was to inform Cabinet of the Information Reports which had been published since the last meeting.

The Leader welcomed the positive comments from customer feedback of their experience of the complaints procedure.  

RESOLVED:          That Cabinet acknowledged publication of the documents listed in the report:-

Title                                        Date Published

Social Services                      19 July 2017

Representations and

Complaints Annual Report

2016/17

Monitoring Report of the Use 19 July 2017

of Regulation of Investigatory

Powers act 2000

Treasury Management           19 July 2017   

Activities and Treasury

Management and Prudential

Indicators 2017-18

To consider any items of business that by reason of special circumstances the chairperson is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency in accordance with paragraph 2.4 (e) of the Cabinet Procedure Rules within the Constitution.

There were no urgent items.

The minutes and reports relating to the following items are not for publication as they contain exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 14,15 and 16 of Part 4 and Paragraph 21 of Part 5, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007.

If following the application of the public interest test Cabinet resolves pursuant to the Act to consider these items in private, the public will be excluded from the meeting during such consideration.

RESOLVED:           That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as they contain exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 14, 15 and 16 of Part 4 and Paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007.

The Monitoring Officer confirmed that one of the items was not subject to the public interest test for reasons of legal professional privilege and should therefore be considered in private.  However the public interest applied in respect of the other item of business.

Following the application of the public interest test in consideration of this item, it was resolved that pursuant to the Act referred to above, to consider it in private, with the public being excluded from the meeting as it would involve the disclosure of exempt information of the nature as stated above.

To receive for approval the exempt minutes of the meeting of Cabinet of 27 June 2017.