Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday, 30th June, 2020 14:30

Venue: Remotely via Skype for Business

Contact: Democratic Services 

Note: Please note: Due to the current restrictions on travel and the requirement for social distancing this meeting will not be held at its usual location. This will be a virtual meeting and Cabinet Members and Officers will be attending remotely. The meeting will be recorded for subsequent transmission via the Council’s internet site which will be available once the meeting has concluded. If you have any queries regarding this, please contact cabinet_committee@bridgend.gov.uk or tel. 01656 643147 / 643148. 

Media

Items
No. Item

497.

Declarations of Interest

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.

 

 

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest made.

498.

Approval of Minutes pdf icon PDF 114 KB

To receive for approval the Minutes of 25/02/20 and 10/03/20

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:           That the minutes of the meetings of Cabinet of 25 February and 10 March 2020 be approved as a true and accurate record.

499.

Recovery Planning from the Impact of COVID-19 pdf icon PDF 131 KB

Minutes:

The Chief Executive sought approval for a proposed approach to

recovery planning from the COVID-19 pandemic and update Cabinet on the proposed cross-party Recovery Panel, the details of which will be reported and agreed at the next Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and which will help shape, inform and advise Cabinet on the Council’s response and recovery plan.

 

He reported that in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic on 23 March the UK Government imposed a nationwide lockdown in an effort to help minimise the spread of coronavirus and during that time, the Council had undergone significant change over the last three months, often

responding urgently to changing circumstances, guidance and regulation.  He stated that services have been created, some services stopped, staff redeployed and new working practices put in place including enabling those that can work from home to do so.  He stated that the focus had been on the delivery of essential services, in particular those for the most vulnerable in the Council’s communities, and seeking to prevent the spread of the virus to save lives.  Many of the changes would need to endure beyond this phase of the crisis and potentially become part of the ‘new normal’ for the Council. 

 

He also reported that due to the speed and severity of the changes required, emergency governance arrangements were put in place in line with the Council’s constitution and scheme of delegation, to allow the Leader and the Chief Executive the agility to respond appropriately to urgent, and often critical matters.  He stated that an emergency Cabinet/Corporate Management Board (CCMB) ‘Gold’ command meeting was established on a daily basis, being informed by Daily Situation Reports and latterly Weekly Situation Reports from each Directorate setting out key issues and risks and matters for decision.  Weekly formal decisions had been circulated throughout this period to Group Leaders and Scrutiny Chairs.  In addition the Leader of the Council provided a daily update to the Leader of the largest non-administration group and weekly meetings held with all of the political group leaders with the Leader and Chief Executive, to ensure elected members were kept as informed and involved as possible in the extraordinary circumstances.

 

He informed Cabinet that the response of staff had been exceptional in order to continue to deliver essential services effectively.  In Social Services, essential front line services continued to be delivered but in different ways and a strong working relationship with BAVO and the third sector was developed and enhanced.  He stated that social care, Bavo and the customer contact centre worked together to provide support to shielded individuals.  Emergency child care provision was provided in hubs for children of key workers, while the catering service had to quickly plan and arrange delivery of free school meals.  He acknowledged the outstanding support of less visible services, in responding rapidly to the distribution of grants to support local businesses, customer care, communications and information technology teams, and also in waste and cleaner streets, registrars, cemetery and crematoria, economic development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 499.

500.

Revenue Budget Outturn 2019-20 pdf icon PDF 692 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change reported on an update on the Council’s revenue financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2020.  She informed Cabinet that Council at its meeting on 20 February 2019 had approved a net revenue budget of £270.809 million for 2019-20.  She summarised the overall outturn as at 31 March 2020, which showed a net under spend of £563,000, which had been transferred to the Council Fund, which brought the balance to £9.339m in line with Principle 9 of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.  She informed Cabinet that Total Directorate budgets provided a net under spend of £1.765 million, and Council Wide budgets a net under spend of £7.690 million, offset by the requirement to provide new earmarked reserves for a range of new future risks and expenditure commitments to meet specific costs.  The main reason for the under spend of £6.050 million on ‘Other Corporate Budgets’ is due to the Welsh Government advising local authorities of additional grant funding being made available during 2019-20 to meet the increased cost of teachers’ pensions (£2,006,096), fire service pensions (£272,405), and teachers’ pay increases (£343,701), all of which were originally funded in full through the MTFS. The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change informed Cabinet that the under spend significantly masked the underlying budget pressures in some service budgets which were reported during the year and still persist, in the service areas of Looked After Children (LAC), Home to School Transport and Waste collection and disposal, where a number of historical budget reductions remain unrealised

 

The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change reported that the net position also took into account council tax income of £1.502m during the financial year.  One of the main reasons for the accrued council tax income was due to a combination of the removal of the discount and the Empty Property Strategy which has delivered a significant impact.  Additional properties built in 2019-20 has also contributed to the accrued council tax income. 

 

The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change outlined the position on the monitoring of budget reduction proposals, of the £2.342m budget proposals outstanding, £1.883m had been realised, leaving a balance of £459,000.  She informed Cabinet that of the budget reduction proposals for 2019-20 totalling £7.621m, there is a shortfall target of £806,000.

 

The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change commented on the financial position at 31 March 2020, highlighting the most significant variances.   The Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change informed Cabinet of the uncertainties on other Council wide budgets and the financial impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the Council’s budget for 2020-21, any balance of funding from council wide budgets will be carried forward to meet pressures.  A covid-19 earmarked reserve has been created at year-end of £3m and once the financial position for 2020-21 is known with more certainty, any potential recurrent under spends will be considered for future MTFS savings.

 

The Interim Chief Officer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 500.

501.

Valleys Task Force Empty Homes Grant - Phase 2 pdf icon PDF 183 KB

Minutes:

The Head of Operations – Community Services sought approval to enter into Phase 2 of the Valley Task Force Empty Homes Grant Scheme; agree a 35% match contribution towards each grant awarded; enter into a new Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council (RCTCBC) for Phase 2; and delegate authority to RCTCBC to deliver and manage the Empty Homes Grants within the Valleys Task Force Area of Bridgend for Phase 2.

 

He reported that the Council entered into a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with RCTCBC for Phase 1 (the pilot) of the Empty Homes Scheme, which run from October 2019 – March 2020, with no financial contribution having to be made by the Council for this phase of the Empty Homes Grant scheme.  He outlined the results of Phase 1 of the programme, with 8 successful applications being made in this phase.  He informed Cabinet that the Welsh Government has awarded funding of £4,500,000 for phase 2 to RCTCBC to support the roll out of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Empty Homes Grant Scheme across all the Valleys Taskforce Areas.  The Council had been asked to enter into Phase 2 of the Empty Homes Grant scheme and agree a match funding contribution of 35% towards each grant based on the amount of empty property grants the authority want to support.  The Council is required to provide match funding per grant awarded up to £20,000, with any additional grant funding over this amount shall be fully funded from the grant.  He outlined the eeligibility and conditions of the Valleys Task Force Empty Homes Grant Scheme, the general requirements of the scheme and the delegation of authority to RCTCBC to administer the scheme in this Council’s administrative area within the Valleys Taskforce Area.

 

The Leader in commending scheme commented on the investment in valley communities, creating homes for local families and removes previously empty properties which had blighted areas.

 

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet

 

  • Approved entering into Phase 2 of the Valley Task Force Empty Homes Grant Scheme;
  • Noted and accepted the risks and issues highlighted in paragraph 4.5 of the report;
  • Delegated authority to RCTCBC to deliver phase 2 of the Empty Homes Scheme and manage the scheme within the Valleys Taskforce area of Bridgend in accordance with paragraph 4.2;

Delegated authority to the Head of Operations - Communities Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Chief Officer Legal, HR and Regulatory Services, to negotiate and agree the terms of the service level agreement with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and enter into the service level agreement. 

502.

Local Economic Recovery Planning pdf icon PDF 126 KB

Minutes:

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability presented a report whichsought agreement to commence a process of Local Economic Recovery Planning, put in place a Bridgend County Economic Task Force and to identify the funding available to support an ‘Economic Futures Fund’.

 

He reported that as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent nationwide ‘lockdown’ many restrictions have been in place in relation to the functioning of society and the economy.  He stated that the Welsh Government National Framework ‘Unlocking our Society and Economy’ set out a clear and structured methodology for considering options in relation to transitioning the economy and society from the current restrictions in place.  He informed Cabinet that the situation the County Borough finds itself in is unprecedented, with constant change is occurring at a significant pace, guidance from UK and Welsh Governments is evolving with the situation and will continue to do so over the coming months and potentially years.  He stated that the Council has played a key role in facilitating, coordinating and leading the necessary arrangements for dealing with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on communities and businesses. 

 

He reported that a process of Local Economic Recovery Planning set against this context presented a wide range of challenges, whilst BCBC and its partners had so far worked collaboratively to deliver a wide range of responses to the coronavirus outbreak much of this has been as short term reactions.  The ability to react would still be required, coupled with a proactive longer term approach towards Local Economic Recovery Planning and this approach would be linked to the Council’s broader approach towards holistic Recovery Planning. 

 

He outlined a proposal for the process of Local Economic Recovery Planning commence by putting in place:

 

·         A Bridgend County Economic Task Force

·         An economic engagement programme

·         A specific ring-fenced budget to support these activities – The Economic Futures Fund.

 

The Task Force would be chaired by the Leader and will build on and add value to action undertaken by the UK and Welsh Government and the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) City Deal and be positioned to best secure funding and opportunities for Bridgend by identifying and putting in place the specific and locally focused measures needed to support the County’s residents and businesses in the short, medium and long-term.  He stated that the task force will develop an economic plan for the future of the County Borough which will include action to help businesses adapt to the changing economic landscape and improve resilience, as well as support for residents to develop new skills, training and employment opportunities.  Work will be aligned with and feed in to the Council’s Strategic Recovery Planning group.  He informed Cabinet that the implementation of the task force prioritised actions and the delivery of the future economic plan will be supported by an Economic Futures Fund of £1.687 million.  He stated that when external funds are offered, these will not be accepted until the Section 151 Officer and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 502.

503.

The Bridgend County Climate Emergency Response Programme pdf icon PDF 101 KB

Minutes:

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability sought for the creation of the Bridgend County Climate Emergency Response Programme following the declaration of a Climate Emergency by the Welsh Government in April 2019.

 

He reported that in October 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) produced a report on the state of global warming, identifying that a continued warming of global temperatures will significantly increase the likelihood and resulting impact of floods, droughts and extreme heat.  The report stated the importance of limiting global warming and a requirement for an unprecedented scale and speed of action.  He stated that the Welsh Government declared a Climate Emergency in April 2019 and following this, had committed to achieving a carbon neutral public sector by 2030.  In addition, there is a commitment to coordinating action to help other areas of the economy to make a decisive shift away from fossil fuels, involving academia, industry and the third sector.

 

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability reported that the Council has a crucial role to play through the management of its own resources and assets and the way in which it works with and supports local residents, organisations and businesses to respond to the challenges set out in the IPCC report.  To support this, and set out some immediate action, it was proposed that a Climate Emergency Response Programme be developed to include the following:

 

  • A cross-party member committee to oversee the Climate Emergency Response Programme;
  • The creation of a dedicated officer role to lead on:
    • Co-ordination of all BCBC services.
    • Collaboration with key public, private and third sector partners.
    • Engagement with local residents.

 

  • The development of a Bridgend County Climate Emergency Citizens’ Assembly;
  • The development of a Bridgend County Climate Emergency Response Strategy and prioritised action plan, including costings and performance monitoring and reporting procedures;
  • The hosting of an annual Bridgend County Sustainability Summit.

 

He reported that the annual resource requirement to lead the Climate Emergency Response Programme of £215,000 will be funded from the £2 million public realm and place shaping budget public realm budget newly available to the approved in the Medium Term Financial Strategy in February 2020 Communities Directorate in 2020-21. The value of £215,000 will be for a full year programme, made up of £65,000 staff costs and £150,000 revenue budget. 

 

The Cabinet Member Communities commended the proposals which involved the creation of a dedicated role, a cross member Committee and collaboration with key partners to deliver the strategy.  The Leader commented that the projects will have a fiscal stimulus and Bridgend is well placed to take advantage of opportunities that will arise in the future.  The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations commented that she believed the projects are achievable and innovative, such as the Caerau Minewater project.  The Cabinet Member Communities commented that the Caerau Minewater project would bring about less reliance on fossil fuels to heat people’s homes and possibly on the premises of the Council’s partners.

 

RESOLVED:         That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 503.

504.

Flood And Water Management Act 2010 - Annual Flood Investigation Report pdf icon PDF 91 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Operations – Community Services sought approval of the Annual Flood Investigation Report 2019-20 in respect of the investigation and reporting of flooding incidents and also sought endorsement of the actions to ensure that the Council meets its duties under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. 

 

He reported that the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 placed a number of statutory duties on Local Authorities in their role as Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and on becoming aware of a flood in its area, the Council as LLFA must, to the extent that it considers necessary, investigate which Risk Management Authorities (RMA) have relevant flood risk management functions and whether each of those RMA has exercised, or is proposing to exercise, those functions in response to the flood.  He stated that where an authority carries out an investigation it must publish the results of its investigation and notify any relevant RMA.

 

He reported that in compliance with Section 19 of the FWMA 2010 an Annual Flood Investigation report for 2019-2020 has been prepared.  He informed Cabinet that the winter storms had brought significant challenges with officers dealing with several flooding incidents and having to unblock culverts and he thanked the team of officers for their actions.  He also informed Cabinet that the Council had been successful in making claims submitted to the Welsh Government for the reimbursement of the actions the Council took during the winter storms with the Council’s contribution being reduced from 25% to 15%.  He stated that the Council had also been successful in the application it had made to the Welsh Government for works to the Eastern Promenade at Porthcawl.

 

The Cabinet Member Communities thanked the staff for their professionalism, diligence and commitment in tackling the flooding problems during the severe storms.  The Leader in adding his thanks, praised staff for working in difficult and dangerous conditions and having to deal with multiple instances at the same time.

 

The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations questioned the investigative being undertaken to the culvert at Commercial Street.  The Head of Operations Community Services stated that investigative survey work to the culvert was ongoing and silt had been removed.       

 

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet

 

(1)         Endorsed the actions undertaken to ensure that the Council met its duties under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 as set out in the Annual Flood Investigation Report 2019-20;

 

(2)        Approved the Annual Flood Investigation Report 2019-20. 

505.

The Provision of Beach and Water Safety Services In Partnership With The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) pdf icon PDF 100 KB

Minutes:

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability presented a report which updated Cabinet on provision of the Beach and Water Safety services by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for 2020 following the Coronavirus outbreak. He also sought approval of Cabinet to establish a new long term partnership arrangement with the RNLI to operate a seasonal beach lifeguarding service at local beaches and in doing so seek a waiver under paragraph 3.2.3 of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules from the requirement to obtain quotes or tenders by open competition and agreement to enter into a contract with the RNLI.

 

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability explained that the Coronavirus outbreak had a fundamental impact on the delivery of services undertaken by BCBC and its partners during the period of nationwide lockdown. Further background was provided at section 3 of the report.

 

He added that over recent weeks BCBC officers and staff from RNLI had been involved in a four step process to determine a level of service that is feasible and safe. The four steps were listed at section 3 of the report.

 

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability stated that planning for a 2020 provision had been influenced by:

 

  • The notice period prior to the amending of Government restrictions
  • The ability and the availability of lifeguards to deploy and, in some cases, train at short notice
  • The overall logistics required to run an effective service
  • Beach risk profile (which may have changed in light of travel restrictions and social distancing requirements)
  • Historical rescue data
  • Reviewing what infrastructure is already in place and where the gaps were.

 

He explained that BCBC officers in partnership with RNLI had reached an agreement in relation to the provision on beach and water safety services for the summer season of 2020.  the provision launched involved the following, which was subject to monitoring and may change:

 

· Rest Bay: 20th June with a finish date of 6th September.

· Coney/Sandy Bay: 4th July with a finish date of 6th September.

· Trecco Bay: 4th July with a finish date of 6th September (subject to confirmation of funding from Parkdean holiday park at Trecco Bay)

 

The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability stated that it was therefore proposed that BCBC and the RNLI enter into a new three year partnership agreement to operate seasonal beach lifeguarding services at Porthcawl’s beaches, commencing in 2021.  He explained the core funding contribution by BCBC of £38,000 per year with additional funding was being sought from key stakeholders to enhance the level of resource available. 

 

The Leader thanked The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability for the report and the work on this vital service.

 

The Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration explained that Cabinet Members were concerned with the impact of austerity on the lifeboat service and concerned that savings would need to be made in this area but the agreements made at that time with the RNLI was a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 505.

506.

Absorbent Hygiene Product Welsh Government Grant pdf icon PDF 81 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head Of Operations - Community Services presented a report which sought Cabinet approval on the allocation of a Welsh Government grant to support Absorbent Hygiene (AHP) recycling services, suspend the relevant Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and delegate authority to the Head of Operations - Communities to liaise with Kier to purchase vehicles and equipment to support the AHP service.

 

He explained that during the procurement of the Council’s waste contract in 2017, the Council introduced a separate kerbside collection and recycling of absorbent hygiene products. He said that this had been a popular service since its introduction and 1,187T of this waste was diverted from landfill in 2019-20. There were currently around 7,000 registered service users as of the end of May 2020, and this was regularly managed to avoid unnecessary visits to those who no longer require this service.

 

The Head Of Operations - Community Services added that Welsh Government had been working with local authorities to secure a sustainable Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) service across as many people throughout Wales as possible both via Local Authority capital funding for equipment and by looking at future treatment solutions for the recycling of the products. Further details were at section 3 of the report.

 

The Head Of Operations - Community Services explained that the Council undertook a soft market exercise to determine whether the required specialist vehicles could be purchased at a comparable rate to those acquired by Kier Environmental Services. Through this exercise, there appeared to be an approximate increase in costs of around £5000 per vehicle in comparison to those negotiated by Kier.

 

He sought delegated authority to liaise with Kier to purchase the two AHP vehicles but the vehicles remain in the ownership of the council. However, Kier would maintain the safety and maintenance of the vehicle throughout the contract period. At the end of the contract period, the vehicles would be returned to the Council and that the Council would benefit from a financial reduction in the annual contract cost for these items and that this required a variation to the current waste contract.

 

The Head Of Operations - Community Services explained that Tondu Transfer Station and Community Recycling Centres operates under a licence from National Resources Wales (NRW). During 2019, NRW inspected the sites and directed drainage improvement works to allow the continued use of external storage areas. In an effort to limit the risk of NRW restrictions, Kier immediately instructed a contractor to install and repair drainage within these sites.

 

He added that the Council leases Tondu Transfer Station and Community Recycling Centre to Kier and the lease specifies a ‘maintain and repair’ obligation on Kier. However, the service recognised that these drainage works go beyond these requirements and these alterations were a direct consequence of NRW intervention for improved standards for site operations. These drainage works would allow continued use of the land for waste management, beyond the end of the contract period. He stated that Kier made the Council aware of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 506.

507.

Children's Social Care - Regional Adoption Arrangements: Appraisal of Options pdf icon PDF 154 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Corporate Director, Social Services And Wellbeing presented a report which informed Cabinet of the outcome of the independent evaluation of the existing regional adoption arrangements and their appropriateness with the creation of the new Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership. She also sought approval from Cabinet to proceed with the recommendations contained in the report.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services And Wellbeing explained that as of 1 April 2019, healthcare services for people in the area of Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) have been provided by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board instead of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board to align decision-making across health and local government.

 

She added that whilst the disruption to general services may not have been as significant as that to be experienced by the Health Boards, the boundary changes impacted on a number of BCBC services. She explained that due to the transfer, BCBC required a thorough evaluation of the current regional adoption collaborative arrangements against alternative options.  The options for evaluation were summarised below:

 

Option 1: Continue with existing Regional collaborative arrangements i.e. Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council remain part of the Page 136 Vale, Valleys and Cardiff Adoption Region and Bridgend County Borough Council remain part of the former Western Bay Region (now West Glamorgan).

 

Option 2: Bridgend County Borough Council leave West Glamorgan Regional collaborative and join the Vale, Valleys and Cardiff Regional collaborative.

 

Option 3: Bridgend County Borough Council, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil create a new Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional (Adoption) Collaborative.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services And Wellbeing explained that the project was carried out during October – December 2019 and involved a series of face to face interviews with individuals and small groups, a workshop with staff from the existing regional team, conference calls and the reading and analysing of a number of documents.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing noted that whilst from a service delivery perspective it was deemed that the existing arrangements needed to remain in place for the medium term at least, this had already and would continue to pose some challenges for Bridgend County Borough Council in its strategic planning and partnership arrangements.

 

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help thanked the corporate director for the comprehensive report and welcomed the recommendations. He stated that the decisions going forward were very sensible for the adoption service and for BCBC.  He added that we would continue to work towards further alignment within the health board regions and on the work the Council does.

 

The Leader added that there was a strong importance and need for people to adopt children in care and although it was a long process, it was a robust process as BCBC had a duty of care on these children. 

 

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet approved the following  recommendations as listed in Appendix 1:

 

508.

School Modernisation Programme - Band B Mynydd Cynffig Primary School pdf icon PDF 110 KB

Minutes:

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support presented a report which sought approval to submit a revised Band B Strategic Outline Programme (SOP) to Welsh Government which substitutes the Bridgend South East scheme with a replacement Mynydd Cynffig Primary School (2 form entry plus nursery). He also sought approval of Cabinet for an options appraisal and feasibility study to be conducted for a replacement Mynydd Cynffig Primary School.

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support explained that in October 2017, Cabinet approved Bridgend’s Band B priorities, which included a 2.5-form entry school plus nursery for the Bridgend South East area of the county borough. At that time, Cabinet also agreed for further feasibility work to be undertaken for a replacement Mynydd Cynffig Primary School which, depending on the outcome and available funding, could be delivered as a priority scheme in Band C.

 

He added that subsequent Cabinet approval was received in January 2020, to undertake a feasibility study for a 2-form entry dual-stream school plus nursery (i.e. Welsh and English-medium provision) at the proposed Parc Afon Ewenni development site.

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support explained that in November 2019, the Mynydd Cynffig Primary School’s infant site suffered a catastrophic failure of its heating system and the repair forced the school to close for three weeks. Pupils and staff were temporarily decanted to neighbouring schools in order for teaching and learning to continue. A building condition survey which was undertaken during the above closure period reduced the condition of the school from its previous condition, that is, “C” to a category “D”. He added that it was decided on 13 March 2020 that the school be closed and alternative teaching accommodation be provided as a matter of urgency.

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support stated that scheme for the provision of temporary classrooms was tendered via a mini competition of Lot 11 of the South East Wales Schools Capital Procurement Framework (SEWSCAP 3). The submissions were evaluated to establish the most economically advantageous tender. Further background was provided at section 3 of the report.

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support added that Welsh Government officials had confirmed that the revised SOP, which rebalances the programme between the North East and South East (as detailed in paragraph 3.9 of this report), had been considered by the capital panel. The panel had recommended that the Minister approves the revision. However, official confirmation of the Ministerial decision was yet to be received.

 

He added that Tender award for the purchase of the temporary accommodation for the infants site of Mynydd Cynffig Primary School was being progressed. Although there was a significant financial commitment for the supply of accommodation, the overarching concerns regarding the primary school occupying two separate sites, plus the size of the junior building remains.

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support outlined the Wellbeing and future generations (Wales) Act 2015 implications as well as the Financial Implications as listed in sections  ...  view the full minutes text for item 508.

509.

Forward Work Programme pdf icon PDF 71 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chief Officer Legal, HR and Regulatory Services presented a report which sought approval for items to be included on the Forward Work Programme for the period 1 July to 31 October 2020.

 

She explained that there had been major disruptions to the program of meetings due to the Covid 19 pandemic and as yet, we had not had had an AGM to formally set the meetings in Members calendars.

 

The Chief Officer Legal, HR and Regulatory Services explained that provisional meetings of Cabinet, Council and Overview & Scrutiny Committee had been scheduled in which were detailed in Appendix 1-3 of the report.

 

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet:

 

           Approved the Cabinet Forward Work Programme for the period 1 July to 31 October 2020 at Appendix 1;

 

           Noted the Council and Overview and Scrutiny Forward Work Programmes as shown at Appendix 2 and 3 respectively.

510.

Urgent Items

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.

 

 

Minutes:

There were no urgent items. 

511.

Exclusion of the Public

The following items are not for publication as they contain exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 12, 14 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.

 

 

 

Minutes:

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 item of business as it

contained exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 12, 14 and 16 of Part 4 and/or Paragraph 21 of Part 5 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

 

Following the application of the public interest test it was resolved that pursuant to the Act referred to above, to consider the following item in private, with the public excluded from the meeting, as it was considered that in all circumstances relating to the item, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

512.

Approval of Exempt Minutes

To receive for approval the exempt minutes of 25/02/20 and 10/03/20

 

513.

Proposed ICF Capital Grant to Linc Cymru