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.

The following declarations of interest were made:

Councillor D Patel – Prejudicial interest in Item 16 as she is named in the report. Personal interest in Item 17 as her Cabinet portfolio is named in the report. Councillor Patel left the meeting whilst item 16 was being considered.

Councillor HM Williams – Personal interest in Agenda item 14, as his grandchildren were in receipt of Learner Travel.

Councillor CE Smith – Personal interest in Agenda item 15, as he had nieces and nephews that attended Mynydd Cynffig Primary School.

To receive for approval the Minutes of 30/06/2020 and 21/07/2020

RESOLVED:                      That the Minutes of a meeting of Cabinet dated 30 June 2020 and 21 July 2020, be approved as a true and accurate record

The Chief Officer – Legal, HR and Regulatory Services submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to seek approval for the 2020 Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) Annual Progress Report (APR) based upon on air quality datasets obtained in 2019. The report required Cabinet approval in order to submit a final version to Welsh Government (WG) before the 30^th September 2020, as well as to consider the Draft Action Plan in respect of air emissions at Park Street, Bridgend.

She then introduced Officers from Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) to present the report.

Members were advised, that under Section 82 of the Environment Act 1995 every local authority has an obligation to regularly review and assess air quality in their areas, and to determine whether or not air quality objectives to protect health are likely to be achieved.  Where the air quality reviews indicate that the air quality objectives are not being achieved, or are not likely to be achieved, Section 83 of the 1995 Act requires local authorities to designate an Air Quality Management Area (‘AQMA’). Section 84 of the Act ensures that action must then be taken at a local level which is outlined in a specific Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) to ensure that air quality in the identified area improves. 

The Annual Progress Report, annexed at Appendix 1 to the main report, provided details on the ratified data for the air quality monitoring undertaken in 2019 within BCBC.

The Park Street, Bridgend AQMA Order was officially implemented on the 1st January 2019. The area comprising the Bridgend County Borough Council Air Quality Management Area Order No. 1, Park Street is outlined by Figure 1, shown on the plan at paragraph 4.1 of the report.

This 2020 Annual Progress Report (APR) outlined the revisions made to the NO2 non-automatic monitoring network utilised in Bridgend for 2019. Existing non-automatic NO2 monitoring locations were decommissioned due to continued compliance and new NO2 monitoring locations were commissioned to strengthen understanding in existing monitored areas, such as the Park Street AQMA and Cowbridge Road.

This 2020 APR does confirm that in 2019 air quality continues to be a prevalent concern along Park Street coinciding with the geographical boundary of the Park Street, Bridgend AQMA Order raised on the 1st January 2019. It is also noted that elevated annual average air quality levels exist in close proximity to Park Street along adjoining road networks where relevant exposure is apparent. Figure 2 depicts the non-automated monitoring sites located in and around the Park Street AQMA. Further details regarding this, were explained in the report.

It was essential that the highlighted monitoring sites are closely examined and suitable action is taken where necessary. Such action may involve amendments to the Park Street AQMA Order, including revisions of the geographical boundary to encapsulate a wider area and reasoning for declaration.

In addition to the non-automated monitoring network specific to the Park Street AQMA, it is imperative that SRS/ BCBC  ...  view the full minutes text for item 528.

The Chairperson of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented a report (on behalf of the Committee) which informed Cabinet of the Phase 1 Findings and Recommendations of the Cross-Party Recovery Panel attached at Appendix A to the report, which had been endorsed by the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The report also asked the Executive to note that the work of the Cross-Party Recovery Panel will continue, with regular reviews of the work to help ensure effectiveness and respond to any emerging issues.

The Chairperson of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, advised that it was agreed at the meeting of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 13 July 2020, to establish a Cross-Party Recovery Panel. Membership of the Recovery Panel comprises the 12 Members of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee plus 4 additional Members: 2 Labour; 1 Independent Alliance and 1 Conservative, nominated by Group Leaders.  The Panel was established with the aim of shaping, informing and advising Cabinet on the Council’s recovery planning to form the basis of the recovery phase for the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Cross-Party Recovery Panel met on six occasions during August and were supported by the Senior Democratic Officer – Scrutiny, two Scrutiny Officers and the Group Manager Legal & Democratic Services.  During its meetings, the Cross-Party Recovery Panel considered presentations from requested invitees including: Public Services Board (PSB) Team Officers; Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) Chief Executive, Operational Manager and a Community Navigator; the Corporate Director - Social Services and Wellbeing and the Head of Adult Services; the Director of Bridgend County Care and Repair, and the Head of Partnership Services and Group Manager – Housing.

She added, that in Phase 1, the Cross-Party Recovery Panel has taken a structured approach to the selection of key areas from those identified for priority to feed into the recovery process and has identified key issues following examination.

The Chairperson of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, confirmed that on 7 September 2020 the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee received a report on the findings of the Cross-Party Recovery Panel and approved that the recommendations of the Panel should be forwarded to Cabinet as part of the recovery process, in order to feed into the realignment of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and the Corporate Plan.

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee also considered the next steps proposed for the Recovery Panel and considered whether it wished the work of the Panel to continue beyond September.  It was acknowledged that the recovery of the County Borough following the Covid-19 pandemic is a significant and a complex programme that has a key role to play in the economic vitality and community resilience of the county borough and its residents.

The Chairperson concluded her submission, by referring Members to the 16 Recommendations that had been made by the Cross Party Recovery Panel and endorsed by the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, appended to the report.

The Leader thanked Members of both the above bodies,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 529.

The Head of Operations – Community Services presented a report to Cabinet, in order to update Cabinet on the Local Development Plan candidate site submission and proposed land use framework for this strategic scheme. To also further update Cabinet on the proposed marketing of the food retail site on part of The Green and Salt Lake car park and finally, to seek a formal resolution to authorise officers to commence all necessary steps to acquire land to support the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration project, including steps preparatory to serving a Compulsory Purchase Order.

He confirmed that There are two landholdings within the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration site which the major landowners are keen to promote for development and subsequent disposal:

1.    Land at the Salt Lake car park site (phase 1) which is exclusively owned by the Council.

2.    Substantial landholdings at the Coney Beach and Sandy Bay sites (phase 2), owned by the Council and another major landowner.

The report highlighted some of the next steps in the delivery of this project.

The Head of Operations – Community Services confirmed, that the site is currently allocated for mixed development within the existing Local Development Plan. This allocation is supported by adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG), often referred to as the “Seven Bays Project – Porthcawl Waterfront SPG”. The site has been put forward a as a candidate site for consideration as part of the replacement Local Development Plan 2018-2033 (LDP).

To evidence the deliverability and viability of the site the major landowners have produced a draft land use framework and masterplan for consideration as part of the LDP process, he explained. The land use plan was shown at Appendix 1 to the report.

The Head of Operations – Community Services proceeded, by confirming that as a first stage in bringing the phase 1 scheme forward on the Salt Lake car park land, the Council is intending to market a food retail site of circa 2.2 acres on the northern portion of The Green and Salt Lake car park site. Appendix 2 of the report, showed the outline of the site intended for this  edged in red. 

It was anticipated that the marketing will commence in early Autumn 2020 and bids will be received and appraised by the end of the calendar year. A further report would be submitted to Cabinet in the new year, providing an update and seeking approval to dispose of the site.

The food store site forms a key element of the wider masterplan that has been worked up for the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration Scheme and is intended to act as a precursor to, and catalyst for, future phases of development across the wider site.

The Head of Operations – Community Services stated that within the Phase 2 Sandy Bay and Coney Beach sites, the major land owners are keen to bring their landholdings forward for disposal. There are some unoccupied land parcels where title needs to be cleansed or which are in third party ownership  ...  view the full minutes text for item 530.

The Chief Executive presented the above report and asked Cabinet if it could be deferred to a future meeting, in order to have further and more detailed discussions with stakeholders.

Members agreed with this proposal.

RESOLVED:                        That Cabinet agreed to defer this item in order to pursue further stakeholder engagement.

The Chief Executive presented a report, the purpose of which, was to seek Cabinet endorsement of the COVID-19 Prevention and Response Plan for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Region.

By way of background, he advised Members that In a joint letter from the Welsh Government Chief Medical Officer, NHS Wales Chief Executive and Director, Local Government on 27 July 2020, Local Health Boards were asked to lead the development of Local Covid-19 Prevention and Response Plans in partnership with Local Authority Chief Executives.

The Public Health Protection Response Plan developed by Public Health Wales (PHW) on behalf of Welsh Government, proposed 3 key elements, as follows:-

1.          Preventing the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) through contact tracing and case management.

2.         Sampling and testing different people in Wales.

3.         Population surveillance.

These 3 elements had been endorsed by both Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Councils, the Chief Executive added.

Subsequent letters and guidance from Welsh Government and Public Health Wales, set out that effective implementation of an integrated national and local system should be based on six principles, as outlined in the second part of paragraph 3.2 of the report.

The Chief Executive emphasised, that Local Authorities have a central role in the management of the Covid-19 response in Wales. This has been demonstrated in the provision of social care and support to the most vulnerable residents; the childcare hubs delivering support to essential key workers and supporting vulnerable children; the maintenance of essential services and the critical role that local authorities have in the Test Trace Protect (TTP) programme and response to incidents or outbreaks.

He further explained that the Regional Strategic Oversight Group (RSOG), oversees the work of six work streams, namely:

•           Surveillance;

•           Sampling & Testing;

•           Contact Tracing & Case Management;

•           Risk Communications and Community Engagement;

•           Protect, and;

•           Covid-19 mass vaccination

The Cwm Taf Covid-19 Prevention and Response Plan attached at Appendix 1 to the report, provided a robust approach to how the region has responded effectively to the threat from Covid-19, also setting out clearly how it would continue to do so.

Appendix 4 of the Plan outlined considerations for local enhance measures, where increases in cases required additional measures by which to control transmission of the infection. An Action Plan and associated documentation, also supported the main Plan

The Plan also sets out an overview of the key surveillance indicators and reporting schedule, (Appendix 5 of the report referred).

The Chief Executive advised that there was evidence to show very recently, that the virus was once more starting to spike in parts of Wales, though not so much currently in Bridgend.

The Chief Executive concluded the report, by confirming that there will be regular reviews of the Plan via the Regional Strategic Oversight Group. This will help ensure effectiveness of implementation or the need for change. The plan will also be reviewed in response to any emerging regional issues. Any significant changes will be signed off by the Regional Strategic Oversight Group, with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 532.

The Chief Executive submitted a report, to seek Cabinet endorsement of the updates to the Council’s Corporate Plan 2018-2022 reviewed for 2020-21, following the impact of Covid-19 (Appendix A to the report) and submission of the Revised Corporate Plan (Appendix B), to Council for approval.

The Covid-19 pandemic will affect the ability of the Council to progress on the delivery of its well-being objectives set out in the refreshed Corporate Plan.  It was therefore prudent to revisit the current commitments and targets and refocus the key priorities for the rest of 2020-21. 

Attached at Appendix A to the covering report, was an extract from the refreshed Corporate Plan setting out proposed changes.  This included some minor changes to BCBC’s commitments as well as some new ones to reflect the key priority areas we need to focus on for the remainder of 2020-21.

There are also a number of new success measures in the Plan, as well as current ones, where the targets have been revisited.

The Chief Executive added that new commitments/amendments were set out in red in the refreshed Plan, as were changes to any targets. Where commitments/measures had been deleted, these were shown but were stricken through.

If Cabinet approved the changes in Appendix A, the revised commitments and measures will supersede those commitments and measures set out in the current Corporate Plan and will become the updated Corporate Plan 2018-2022 reviewed for 2020-21 version 2. This was attached at Appendix B to the report.

Delivery of the above, would be supported by the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and Directorate Business Plans, both of which would be monitored closely in the medium/interim future.

The Leader and Cabinet Member – Wellbeing and Future Generations, suggested some additions/amendments to the revised Corporate Plan and these were reflected in the decision below.

The Chief Executive concluded that the thrust of the Corporate Plan was not necessary to cover all services that the Authority provided, but more to path out the Council’s Improvement Plans, particularly in the face of the pandemic.

RESOLVED:                          That Cabinet endorsed the updates to the Corporate Plan 2018-22 reviewed for 2020-21, attached at Appendix A to the report and agreed the revised Corporate Plan at Appendix B to Council, for approval, with the following caveats:

1. Appendix A – Wellbeing Objective 1 – Supporting a Successful Sustainable Economy – Priority Area: Growth and Prosperity – Further narrative to be included on work being undertaken to reduce the number of vacant properties in town centres and promote economy to those retail properties presently in business.

     2.     Appendix A – Wellbeing Objective 2 - Helping People and Communities to be more Healthy and Resilient.

       a)  Where reference is made to working in partnership, this be added to by including the 3rd sector, as well as Town and Community Councils and Community Groups.

b)  Adding a provision regarding the work ongoing to support ‘rough sleepers’ to keep them off the streets, as well as the work being progressed to support those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 533.

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager presented a report, the purpose of which, was to seek Cabinet approval and adoption of BCBC’s Strategic Equality Action Plan Action Plan 2020-2024.

She advised that, within the Strategic Equality Plan the Council must publish an action plan containing objectives that describe how equality issues for people in Bridgend will be addressed for the next four years.

Annual progress reports describing the work involved in implementing the current Strategic Equality Plan 2016-2020 have been presented to Cabinet Committee Equalities since 2016. Annual progress reports will continue to be presented during the lifetime of the Strategic Equality Plan 2020-2024.

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager, confirmed that the Strategic Equality Plan 2020-2024 was approved by Cabinet on 10 March 2020 (appendix 1 to the report). In order to develop the equalities action plan (appendix 2) the Council had:

·         Reviewed our Strategic Equality Plan 2016 – 2020 and our action plan for this period

·         Given further consideration to each of the nine protected characteristics covered by the three main aims of the general duty and the requirement to eliminate discrimination, harassment and other actions prohibited in the Equality Act 2010.

·         Considered the implementation of the Socio-Economic Duty (now deferred to March 2021)

·         Considered national and local issues and taken into consideration the Black Lives Matter campaign and the impact of COVID-19

·         Used feedback that we regularly get from local equality and diversity groups and via the Bridgend Community Cohesion and Equality Forum such as how accessible our services are and how we can help support, promote and raise awareness of issues such as hate crime and LGBTQ History Month

·         Worked with services to develop outcome focused actions that will be delivered over the next four years

The report then referred to the consultation process that had taken place with regards to the Action Plan and arising from that, there were 25 outcomes and 58 actions.

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager, added that within the action plan each of the objectives are linked to relevant protected characteristics, the Future Generations Act five ways of working and our corporate priorities.

The Strategic Equality Plan action plan 2020-2024 would be reviewed annually, to demonstrate progress against actions, incorporate new areas of work for the council, changes to legislation and the development of any new objectives for the duration of the plan.

The Cabinet Member – Wellbeing and Future Generations commended the Action Plan which she felt was clear in that it was user friendly in terms of establishing what we had committed to. She was especially pleased to see a commitment to the menopause campaign, play, eliminating holiday hunger and pay gap monitoring being extended to cover, any possible gap between BAME and disabled employees. As the Action Plan was evolving, she looked forward to seeing more work being added to it on the likes of hidden disabilities and healthy relationships, moving forward.

The Cabinet Member – Education and Regeneration was also pleased to note that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 534.

The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing submitted a report, to present to Cabinet the public consultation feedback for the draft Social Services and Wellbeing Service Delivery Plan – Our 5 Year Vision 2020 - 2025. 

The report also sought approval from Cabinet for the Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate 5 Year Service Delivery Plan and Action Plan.

By way of background, The Head of Adult Social Care, confirmed that the draft Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate 5 Year Service Delivery Plan (2020-2025) is building on the previous ten year Commissioning Strategy for Adult Social Care and the Children’s Social Care ‘Vision into Action, Better Outcomes for Children, Young People and their Families’ document.  These documents have provided essential strategic direction for Social Services and Wellbeing in Bridgend which have, in turn, informed the range of essential transformation programmes that have responded to increasing demand and financial pressures. The updated Service Delivery Plan was attached as Appendix 1 to the report, whilst it’s supporting Action Plan could be found on page 572 of the report (pack).

She continued by stating that, the draft Service Delivery Plan was presented to the Council’s Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 13th February 2020.  The Committee raised some notable observations that have since been added to the Service Delivery Plan, as were included in paragraph 4.1 of the report.

The Head of Adult Social Care confirmed that the draft Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate 5 Year Service Delivery Plan 2020-2025 consultation was launched on 9 March 2020 and was coordinated by the Council’s Consultation and Engagement Department.  A summary of the Service Delivery Plan was created and a survey was developed that consisted of 11 questions.

The survey was also sent to all 1,401 Citizens’ Panel members in the format of their choice, and to 170 stakeholder groups identified by the Social Services and Wellbeing team via an email link. BAVO also shared the consultation with their stakeholders in order to gain feedback on the Service Delivery Plan 2020-2025.

The survey received 297 responses through a combination of online and paper surveys.  The social demographic data of the Citizens’ Panel reflects a good cross section of the county borough’s population and all respondents lived in the county borough.

She confirmed that the ‘headlines’ from the survey respondents, were included in paragraph 4.9 of the report.

Following the consultation process, a report had been put together that provided the findings from the feedback and this was attached at Appendix 2 to the report.

The Head of Adult Social Care, explained further that the Service Delivery Plan was originally drafted in readiness for the consultation process in 2019-20, however the impact of COVID-19 has delayed the progression of the report and as a consequence, many of the financial figures in the plan are based on 2019-20 figures and not the projections from the current financial year, 2020-21.  The figures would be updated accordingly, prior to the Service Delivery Plan being published.  

The Cabinet Member –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 535.

The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing submitted a report, the purpose of which, was is to inform Cabinet Committee of the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) review of Bridgend Social Services for the period April 2019 – March 2020 and to seek Cabinet approval of the annual review.

This report was presented and by the Head of Children’s Services and contributed to by the Head of Adult Social Care.

The background to the report, outlined that the code of practice for review of local authority social services in April 2019, outlined the  intention of CIW to write and publish an annual letter for local authorities, which would:

·         provide feedback on inspection and performance evaluation activity completed by CIW during the year;

·         report on progress the local authority has made in implementing recommendations from inspections and/or child and adult practice reviews;

·         outline our forward work programme.

The report confirmed that the annual review letter was published on 3rd August 2020 and the letter summarised the CIW review of Bridgend County Borough Council’s performance in carrying out its statutory social services functions from April 2019 – March 2020.

The content of the 2019-20 performance letter is informed by the performance evaluation activity undertaken by the inspectorate during the course of the year. This activity was the inspection of older adults’ services in September 2019, and various discussions and visits with the Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate during the course of the year. Planned focused activity in March 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19.

The annual performance letter was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. It summarised the strengths and areas for improvement in line with the principles of the 2014 Act under the headings of Wellbeing, People, Prevention and Partnerships. The content was an accurate reflection of the CIW discussions with the directorate and their ongoing findings which have been consistently shared with BCBC.

The action plan that has been developed following the inspection of older adults’ in September 2019 was attached at Appendix 2, for Members information.  

The Head of Children’s Services, assured Members that the improvements recommended by the CIW were being progressed, but there were also a significant number of areas of strength in this service area, which had been acknowledged by the CIW in their inspection.

She added that Children’s Assessment timescales were showing an improvement since the inspection in that targets at the end of March were hitting 74%, but these were now showing at 96%. LAC numbers were still fairly high, though some of the work relating to this area had been affected by the lockdown. The Head of Children’s Services was pleased to advise that there were no children currently in unregulated placements.

The Head of Adult Social Care, added that the Action Plan for Older People had been considered by Cabinet just prior to lockdown. Improvement targets within this were being progressed and where applicable, target dates for the completion of these were being identified in the Plan.

The Cabinet Member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 536.

The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing submitted a report in respect of the above matter.

The Head of Children’s Social Care advised that, The Programme for Government, Taking Wales Forward, committed to “examine ways of ensuring looked after children enjoy the same life chances as other children and if necessary reform the way they are looked after”. This is reinforced by the national strategy Prosperity for All, with social care as 1 of the 5 priority areas, with actions to pursue and achieve as were outlined in paragraph 3.1 of the report.

She advised that, Welsh Government were now embarking on an extensive programme of work and engagement activity to take forward a new ‘refreshed’ approach to corporate parenting. The new approach is about doing things differently and to organisations’ best abilities including a new Voluntary Charter referred to in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

The programme of work includes engagement with a wide cohort of care experienced children to identify what corporate parenting means to them and their expectations from the services they routinely engage with. Working with this cohort, Welsh Government will look to co-produce a Voluntary Charter that organisations can sign up to setting out their commitment and unique offer to care experienced children. This Voluntary Charter will enable all stakeholders, across the public and private sector and the devolved and non-devolved spheres, to sign up to a common statement of improved support and action when working with care experienced children. It is anticipated the Charter will allow signatories to describe how they engage with care experienced children and what they propose to do differently or offer in addition to care experienced children in the future.

The Head of Children’s Social Care continued by stating that, to build on the agreements as set out in the Voluntary Charter, they will also look to use existing legislative powers to strengthen statutory guidance, clarifying roles and responsibilities and extending duties across the public sector. This would be achieved by adopting the principles outlined in paragraph 4.3 of the report.

The membership of the Council’s existing Cabinet Committee - Corporate Parenting comprises of 15 Elected Members (6 of whom are Cabinet Members and have voting rights), Corporate Management Board (CMB) and relevant Heads of Service. The current Terms of Reference of the Committee, were shown in paragraph 4.4 of the report.

At the last meeting of the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting, Members discussed how it could be strengthened and the value of extending membership to key partner agencies. Importantly the Committee were also keen to ensure that the voice of the looked after child (or care experienced child) was heard.

The Cabinet Member – Social Services and Early Help welcomed the extended role of partners to assist in the above manner as they were also corporate parents, as well as hearing more the voices of the likes of Young Carers.

RESOLVED:                          That Cabinet:

(1)              (1)  Noted the local implications of the Welsh Government work programme and approve the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 537.

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support submitted a report, The purpose of which, was to:

·         update Cabinet on the outcomes of the consultation exercise approved by Cabinet regarding the proposed changes to the local authority’s Learner Travel Policy; 

·         assist Cabinet in determining whether or not it should progress with any of the  proposals;

·         identify how the proposals would contribute to the overall saving to the Council’s medium-term financial strategy; and

·         report on the outcomes of the independent strategic review of transport.

The Group Manager – Business Strategy and Performance added that one of the aims and objectives of the report, was how the Council could make savings identified in the area of Learner Travel, in order to address the current significant overspend.

In terms of the background to the report, he advised Cabinet that there were a considerable number of complexities outlined therein, so he summarised these as follows:-

1. Addressing the Local Authority’s statutory responsibility identified in the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure and, in particular, statutory distances and the availability of walked routes to schools.
2. The Learner Travel budget being under significant pressure, due to £1.9m savings having been made since 2014/15 without a corresponding policy change.
3. Although such a policy change was made in 2015, it was not significant enough to account for all the expected savings identified in the MTFS
4. Costs have actually increased across many facets of school transport, for example, ALN, disabled pupils and pupils with complex medical needs.
5. Assessments of safe routes (to schools) have concluded recently, supporting our ability to implement a policy change with a view to making significant savings to recover from a deficit and address the nuances in the current Learner Travel Policy introduced in 2015. For example, whereby some pupils with siblings, have eligibility for transport, where those without do not. Some older pupils previously in receipt of school transport at former policy distance continue to benefit, where younger pupils do not.

In order to address these issues, the Group Manager – Business Strategy and Performance advised that a public consultation was agreed to be taken forward by Cabinet in July 2019.

The Group Manager – Business Strategy and Performance, referred Members to page 639 of the report (Table 1) for the full MTFS savings and growth in the budget, to address this financial pressure.

He then referred to page 642 of the report and the five proposals that it was considered, would address some of the issues as referred to above, which were detailed in this part of the covering report and in the Public Consultation document (Appendix 1 to the report).

Table 2 in the report, provided details of how the proposals would impact upon pupils and students.

In terms of the consultation, the Group Manager – Business Strategy and Performance confirmed that there were just under 1400 interactions during the public consultation which was a positive response.

Members could see from the detail provided at pages 649 to 651 of the report and in Appendix  ...  view the full minutes text for item 538.

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support submitted a report, regarding the latest proposals in respect of the above school.

The report gave some background information, notably that in April 2009, Cabinet approved a number of individual projects that emerged from a feasibility study, which reviewed 3 to 18 learning provision in the Cefn Cribwr, Cornelly, Kenfig Hill and Pyle area.  Approval was received to progress a project to cater for a proposed amalgamation of the then Mynydd Cynffig Infant and Junior Schools. Further progress reports had been received by Cabinet from this date up to the present date.

He 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 temporary closure of the school building.

A subsequent building condition survey reduced the school from its previous condition, that is, “C” to a category “D” (ie ‘Bad – life expired and/or at risk of imminent closure, requiring significant immediate/urgent works’). The nature and assortment of the disrepairs highlighted within the survey made isolated repair works to individual fabric elements at the school extremely challenging and economically unfeasible. As a result of the health and safety risk to pupils and staff, it was agreed that the school building would close and alternative teaching accommodation would be provided as a matter urgency.

Funding was made available through the capital programme to procure temporary accommodation.

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support, reminded Members that on 30 June 2020, Cabinet approval was received to reprioritise Band B, bringing forward the replacement school scheme for Mynydd Cynffig Primary. Approval was received to submit a revised SOP to WG to reflect this and for officers to commence an options appraisal and feasibility study for the proposed replacement primary school. Paragraph 4.5 of the report, set out a longlist of education options considered for this school.

In terms of the next stage of the business case process, a shortlist of education options had been put forward, namely:

Option 1                     Do nothing

Option 2                      Refurbishment of the Mynydd Cynffig Primary School infant block, the junior building 'as is'. The school remains on two separate sites (shortlisted – do minimum)

Option 3                      New-build extension for the Mynydd Cynffig Primary School infant department on the junior site (shortlisted – do intermediate)

Option 4                      New build replacement Mynydd Cynffig Primary School - 2FE plus 75-place nursery provision on the Mynydd Cynffig Primary School junior site (shortlisted – do maximum)

The Corporate Director – Education and family Support, added that the outcome of evaluations indicate that the feasibility study should be progressed on the Mynydd Cynffig Primary School junior site. The study will run concurrently with the Welsh Government business case process. It is anticipated that the ‘do maximum’ option will require the largest landtake and therefore it is this option, a new build replacement Mynydd Cynffig Primary School - 2FE plus 75-place nursery which should be taken through the feasibility stage as the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 539.

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support presented a report which sought approval from Cabinet for the appointment of local authority governors to the school governing bodies listed at paragraph 4.1 of the report.

He explained that for the 6 schools in the table within paragraph 4.1 of the report, all 8 applicants listed there, met the approved criteria for appointment as local authority governors and there was no competition for any of the vacancies

He added that appendix A of the report detailed the 25 other vacancies that needed to be filled in 20 schools.

The Cabinet Member – Education and Regeneration stressed the importance of the remaining vacancies as referred to above, being filled at schools as soon as was possible.

RESOLVED:                          That Cabinet approved the recommended appointments of LA Governors listed in paragraph 4.1 of the report.

The Chief Officer – Legal, HR and Regulatory Services, presented a report, the purpose of which was to:

1. seek approval for the schedule of meetings of Cabinet, Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting and the Cabinet Committee Equalities for the period October 2020 - April 2021.

2. propose Children’s and Equalities Champions who will chair the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting and the Cabinet Committee Equalities.    

3. confirm the process for the nomination of Champions from each of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees to the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting.

4. seek approval of the invitees to attend meetings of the Cabinet Committee Equalities as nominated by each of the political groups represented on Council.

The proposed schedule of Cabinet meetings for the period October 2020 – April 2021, was shown in paragraph 4.1.2 of the report. The meetings would in most cases follow a 4 weekly cycle.

The proposed dates for meetings of the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting and the Cabinet Committee Equalities, were detailed in paragraphs 4.2.1 and 4.3.further of the report, respectively.

The report further advised of membership proposals regarding Member Invitees to sit on both the above Cabinet Committees and these were explained in the main body of the report, with the named Invitees for Cabinet Committee Equalities shown in paragraph 4.3.3. The invited Members shown were based on political balance rules on membership of Council bodies.

Finally, the report further proposed Cabinet Member Champions for the above service areas, who would also then be the Chairpersons of each of the Cabinet Committees. 

RESOLVED:  

(1)        That Cabinet approved the schedule of meeting dates for Cabinet, Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting and the Cabinet Committee Equalities meetings for the period October 2020 - April 2021 as outlined in Paragraphs 4.1.2, 4.2.1 and 4.3.1 of the report.

(2)        That the Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help be appointed as Lead Member for Children and Young People, Children and Young People Champion and Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting.

(3)        That the process for determining the invitees for the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting as outlined in paragraph 4.2.3 (of the report) be approved.

(4)        That the Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations be appointed as the Equalities Champion and as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee Equalities.

(5)        That Cabinet approved nominations of the invitees to the Cabinet Committee Equalities on the basis of 4 Labour Group Members, 2 Conservative Group Members, 2 Independent Alliance Group Members and 1 each from the Llynfi Independents and Plaid Cymru Groups as outlined in 4.3.3 of the report.       

The Chief Officer Legal, HR and Regulatory Services presented a report, that informed Cabinet of an Information Report for noting (attached thereto) that had been published since its last scheduled meeting.

Details of the Information Report was shown in paragraph 4.1 of the covering report.

RESOLVED:                 That Cabinet acknowledged the publication of the document listed in the report.

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.

None

The following item is not for publication as it contains exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 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 this item 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 item of business as it

contained exempt information as defined in Paragraphs  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.

To receive for approval the exempt Minutes of 30/06/2020 and 21/07/2020.

RESOLVED:             That the exempt minutes of a meeting of Cabinet dated 30 June 2020 and 21 July 2020, be approved as a true and accurate record.