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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Civic Offices Angel Street Bridgend CF31 4WB. View directions

Items
No. Item

65.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interest from Members/Officers in

accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct adopted by Council from 1 September 2008. 

Minutes:

The following Declarations of Interest were made:-

 

Councillor K Rowlands – Agenda Item 11, personal interest as she is employed by a Member of Parliament.

 

Councillor DK Edwards – Agenda Item 7, personal interest as he is a Chair of Governors.

 

Councillor M Clarke – Agenda Item 6, personal interest as he is a Director of Harbourside CIC.

 

Councillor N Clarke – Agenda Item 6, personal interest as her husband is a Director of Harbourside CIC.  

66.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES pdf icon PDF 172 KB

To receive the minutes of a meeting of Council dated 6 September 2017.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:            That the Minutes of a meeting of Council dated 6 September 2017, be approved as a true and accurate record.

67.

TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM:

 (i) Mayor (or person presiding)

(ii) Members of the Cabinet

(iii) Chief Executive

(iv) Monitoring Officer

Minutes:

The Mayor

 

The Mayor announced that as Members were aware a lot of work had previously gone into forging good relationships with the Armed Forces and the organisations that supported them. In November 2013 Bridgend signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant and a significant amount of work was undertaken within Bridgend County Borough to underpin the commitment to this pledge.  The Mayor had the pleasure alongside the armed forces champion, Councillor Richard Young, to welcome to the civic offices some of the longstanding partners at a “meet and greet” event last month. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the invaluable work that the different organisations undertook and identify future opportunities where work could be undertaken together for the benefit of the armed forces communities.  The event was extremely well attended and a great boost to continuing commitment.

 

The Mayor announced that the fifth Bridgend Business Awards had taken place and it was lovely to attend and meet all finalists.  She believed it was vital to continue to encourage local businesses and in the coming weeks she would be visiting some of the winners to see first-hand the excellent work that they did.

 

On the subject of celebrating local initiative, the Mayor was honoured to attend the annual “It’s my Shout” premier recently.  This project originated from the arts service in Bridgend County Borough Council and now fifteen years later, it had grown to be one of the most prolific training and development schemes for the creative industries in the UK. Bridgend Youth Theatre which was run in partnership with “It’s my Shout” was one of her chosen charities so she was delighted when they performed on the night to their usual excellent standard. 

 

The Mayor announced that she also visited the Liberty Stadium for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in the presence of the Earl of Wessex Prince Edward, and that it was an excellent evening.  She also attended the Pavilion to see the Porthcawl Male Voice Choir with Mike Doyle as the entertainer and the Vale of Glamorgan’s Mayors Civic Ceremony.

 

The Mayor’s Civic Blessing was held in St. Marys Catholic Church, Ewenny Road and she thanked the Mayors Civic Committee for organising everything and also to the Dignitaries and fellow Councillors & friends and family who attended. 

 

Deputy Leader

 

The Deputy Leader advised that the latest figures demonstrated that Bridgend County Borough was still well on the way to achieving the new recycling targets set by Welsh Government.

 

However, the Deputy Leader explained, a concerted effort was being made to encourage more people to recycle from their bathrooms following research by the organisation Recycle For Wales. This had revealed that only 60 per cent of bathroom items such as toothpaste tubes, shampoo bottles and cardboard toilet rolls were recycled compared to 90 per cent of kitchen items.

 

Across the country, tonnes of recyclable plastic, metal, paper and cardboard unnecessarily ended up in landfill each year, so the authority would be carrying out work over the coming  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

68.

To receive the report of the Leader

Minutes:

The Leader announced that the authority continued to engage with partners about the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Finance announcement about the potential change to the Health Board that would serve the communities of Bridgend.  The Chief Executive met with senior officials at Welsh Government and an outline provisional timeline was out for consultation in the autumn, a decision in the spring (2018) and implementation of a change if there was a change in spring 2019. Details would be shared with members when they were available.

 

The Leader reported that a draft 5 year strategic business plan was being developed for the Cardiff Capital City Region. Work by the Leaders and Chief Executives was continuing on the plan with the aim to bringing that to all members in all Councils this year. The focus would include developing a skilled workforce, creating an innovation district, increasing entrepreneurial activity and innovation, improving connectivity at a local, national and global level and creating the right environment and infrastructure to encourage growth. These aligned with the independent commission’s report and the City Deal agreement with UK Government and Welsh Government.

 

The Leader thanked all the members from across the chamber that were able to make the consultation meeting with the Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language Minister, Alun Davies AM, ‘Our Valleys, Our Future’ in Maesteg Town Hall last month. Local residents and members alike made a very strong and clear case for the need for investment in all three of the valleys, the Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore. Officers continued to liaise with officials at the Welsh Government on proposals for a hub for the Bridgend Valleys.

 

The Leader welcomed the letter from Conservative leaders from across South Wales about the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon urging the Prime Minister to seize the day and give the scheme her full support. He explained that he had written as Leader of the authority, several months ago backing the scheme. There was now full support across the political spectrum and across South Wales. The project would not only deliver clean, green, renewable energy and a major boost to the economy but was a unique opportunity for Wales to take the world lead in the development of a new energy technology. He was sure that all supported this call for the UK government to make the decision.

69.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17 pdf icon PDF 63 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chief Executive presented the Council’s Annual Report 2016-17 for Council to consider and approve. The Annual Report evaluated the Council’s performance against the priorities set in the new Corporate Plan 2016-20. It also reiterated the improvement objectives for 2017-18.  The Plan defined 46 commitments to deliver the three priorities and identified 58 outcome-focused indicators for the financial year 2016-17. The Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) identified how it would use its resources to support the achievement of the improvement priorities and statutory duties, including the management of financial pressures and risks over the next four years

The Chief Executive explained that overall, the Council performed strongly in 2016-17and of its 46 commitments, the Council carried out to completion 32 (nearly 70%), with a further 11 (24%) that were mostly completed. The Council was short of meeting the target set for three commitments, namely, digitalisation of planned services, asset transfer to community groups and organisations, and income generation initiatives however it was recognised that a lot had been done during the year to deliver these commitments.

4.3       The Corporate Plan identified 58 indicators to measure success and 57 indicators had been collected for the year. Of those with a target, the Council met or exceeded the target for 59.2%, with further 12.2% missing the target marginally. Of those indicators that missed the target, 25% showed improvement, 45% were new indicators which made it hard to set challenging but realistic targets, and a further 15% were influenced by external circumstances. Overall, 74% of all indicators with comparable data showed improvement. Detailed information about the Council’s performance against its commitments and targets was included in the report.   

The Chief Executive referred to a number of points in the Annual Report. Under priority one, Supporting a successful economy, 722 local people had taken opportunities to succeed through Communities for Work, Bridges into Work and BESP programmes and registered businesses in the borough increased during the year from 4,440 to 4,540. Under priority two, Helping people to be more self-reliant, 3,879 individuals and families were supported through the Families First programme to help reduce child poverty. Under priority 3, Smarter use of resources, £5,625m of capital receipts were generated from the asset disposal programme, exceeding the £4m target.

 

A Member asked why the number of visitors to Bridgend and Porthcawl had been recorded but no other areas had been monitored. The Corporate Director Communities explained that only Bridgend and Porthcawl had camera counters so information was available for a comparison to be made. The Member suggested that if counters were installed in Pencoed and Maesteg then a true picture would be available.

 

A Member referred to the consultation exercise for those that used social care services and the figure of 86.6% of people satisfied with the care and support they received. He asked if any follow up had been done on the remaining people that were dissatisfied. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing explained that the exercise was a requirement of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

70.

CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2017-18 TO 2026-27 pdf icon PDF 67 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Finance and Section 151 Officer presented a report seeking approval from Council for a revised capital programme for 2017-18 to 2026-27.

 

On 31st May 2017 Council approved a revised capital programme including slippage into 2017-18, new externally funded schemes and additional council funded schemes relating to the 21st Century Schools Programme. On 28th June 2017, Council approved that the Capital Programme be further amended to include funding for the purchase of a Civil Parking mobile enforcement vehicle which brought the total value of the programme to £191.562 million, of which £125.404 million was met from BCBC resources, including General Capital Funding from Welsh Government, and £66.158 million met from external resources.

 

Since the programme was last approved, a number of new schemes had been progressed which required that Council approve changes to the capital programme. These changes were explained in detail in the report:

 

·                    Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). The establishment of a Bridgend Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) was a key part of corporate priority 2 – helping people to remain independent.

·                    Storage for the Data Centre.

·                                Desktop Computer/Monitor Replacement Programme.

·             Additional PC’s for Civic Offices

·             Digital Meeting Spaces

·                     Brynmenyn Homelessness Unit

·                     Mayoral Vehicle

 

A revised capital programme was attached to the report and this showed a total revised programme of £175.031 million, of which £117.536 million was met from BCBC resources, including General Capital Funding from Welsh Government, and £57.495 million met from external resources.

 

A Member raised concerns about digitisation of meeting spaces, how well it would work and how £150,000 could be better used on other services. The  

Member was advised that equipment had improved and this would be a valuable asset that could save money. This was a facility that BCBC did not have which other authorities did have and it was important to keep up with this type of technology.

 

A Member suggested that the update could be rolled out slowly with a few rooms updated initially. If the equipment was effective then other rooms could be added at a later date. 

 

The Leader added that the use of video conferencing with improved technology had dramatically increased across Wales and could save time for both Members and officers. Collaboration was increasing and this could save time and travel.

 

A Member asked if there was a policy to buy British products and if this had been taken into account when purchasing a new mayoral vehicle. The Member was advised that it was difficult to buy a British vehicle that met the criteria but all factors had been carefully considered when making this decision.      

 

RESOLVED:             Council approved the revised Capital Programme as set out in the report. 

71.

Amendment to the Scheme of Delegations pdf icon PDF 51 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Monitoring Officer presented a report seeking approval for a series of amendments which had been made to the Scheme of Delegation of Functions. A number of administrative amendments had been made and the report consolidated those updates and advised of the outcomes of the subsequent review of the Scheme of Delegations which was undertaken.

           

The titles and portfolios of the Cabinet Members had been revised.  The functions allocated to each Cabinet Member required some amendments to be made in particular Scheme A to reflect the changes to their responsibilities accordingly. He explained that a desktop review had been undertaken to ensure that the Scheme was up-to-date and fit for purpose.  A number of revisions were required and were identified in the report using tracked changes.

 

The Monitoring Officer requested Council to note that a similar report was presented to Cabinet on 3rd October 2017 requesting approval of the amendments to the Scheme in relation to its functions.  Once the approval process and call-in had been completed, the Scheme would be updated, published and Corporate Directors would be requested to update their Register of Delegations to reflect these changes. 

 

A Member suggested that under General Powers of Chief Officers, section 1.7 should be amended to read “the tender that offered best value for money” rather than “the lowest tender received”. The Monitoring Officer  explained that systems were already in place to establish value for money, the specification and quality before a decision was taken.  

 

RESOLVED:             Council approved the Scheme of Delegations in relation to its functions as attached at Appendix 1 to the report.   

72.

Appointments to Council Committees and other Council Bodies pdf icon PDF 101 KB

Minutes:

The Monitoring Officer presented a report requesting that Council approve the revised political balance and appointment to Council Committees and other Council bodies following changes to the political groupings of the Council.

He explained that the recent changes to the political make-up of the Council required a review of the political balance and updated Members on the current political make-up of the Council. The revision required the re-distribution of the committee seat allocation to the political groups as shown in the report. 

 

The Monitoring Officer also reported one for one changes to the committees and panels as detailed in the report plus three additional changes:

 

 Scrutiny Subject Committee 1 – Councillor Lyn Walters to replace Councillor Kay Rowlands.

Scrutiny Subject Committee 2 – Councillor Kay Rowlands to replace Councillor Lyn Walters.

Development Control Committee – Councillor T Giffard to replace Councillor C Webster.

 

The revised political balance did not affect the current allocation of Scrutiny Chairpersons to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Conservative group had nominated Cllr C Webster as the new Chairperson of SOSC 1 and this was recommended for approval by Council.

 

 

RESOLVED              Council:-

 

a.          Approved the revised political balance as shown in Appendix A to the report;

 

b.         Received nominations from political groups for any one for one changes to their representation on committees and appointed those Councillors to serve on these committees as shown at Appendix B. Additional changes as detailed below were reported and agreed at the meeting:

 

Scrutiny Subject Committee 1 – Councillor Lyn Walters to replace Councillor Kay Rowlands.

Scrutiny Subject Committee 2 – Councillor Kay Rowlands to replace Councillor Lyn Walters.

Development Control Committee – Councillor T Giffard to replace Councillor C Webster.

 

c.    Appointed Councillor C Webster as Chairperson of the Subject Overview and Scrutiny Committee 1.

 

73.

Information Reports for Noting pdf icon PDF 50 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report, the purpose of which was to inform Council of any Information Reports for Noting since its last ordinary meeting, as detailed in the report.

 

RESOLVED             That Council noted the content of the report.      

74.

Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor David White

Bridgend Borough Council has to make savings of £35.3 million over the next 4 years under the most likely scenario, due to the reduction being imposed by the UK Government, as a result of the reduction to the Welsh Government block grant funding. This is addition to the reduction in funding over the last 5 years, which amounts to £ 40 million. The unprecedented scale of reduction to the budget amounts in total to £75.3 million or equivalent of over £1000 per household within the Borough.

Although, in my view this council has been subjected to a number of inspections over the last two years and no major concerns have been raised, which cannot be addressed and areas of improvement have or are being addressed. In my opinion this could put enormous pressures on our services and may mean we are unable to fulfil our statutory duties.

It is my opinion Bridgend Borough Council via Welsh Government should receive a fair funding from the UK Government, so this council can achieve its goals in manner that means that our residents, who we were voted to represent. Instead of facing reductions in budgets that are having an impact on an essential range of services and could play a vital role in the health and well-being of the people we serve.


That Council considers

 

· that Bridgend condemns the potential £ £75.3 million reduction in its budget imposed by the UK Government, as a result of the reduction in the block grant funding from Westminster, to Welsh Government, which in turn means reduction to Bridgend Council budgets.

· To campaign for a fairer funding grant for Bridgend Council from UK Government.

· Bridgend Council will continue to be open and honest about the scale of the reduction and the damage they could do to our local communities.

. The leader writes to Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary State for Wales and requests fairer funding for Bridgend Borough Council and its residents.

 

Minutes:

Councillor D White made the following Notice of Motion to which he gave an introductory speech explaining why he had made the proposal. He also asked that a Recorded Vote be taken on the Notice of Motion:

 

“Bridgend Borough Council has to make savings of £35.3 million over the next 4 years under the most likely scenario, due to the reduction being imposed by the UK Government, as a result of the reduction to the Welsh Government block grant funding. This is addition to the reduction in funding over the last 5 years, which amounts to £ 40 million. The unprecedented scale of reduction to the budget amounts in total to £75.3 million or equivalent of over £1000 per household within the Borough.

Although, in my view this council has been subjected to a number of inspections over the last two years and no major concerns have been raised, which cannot be addressed and areas of improvement have or are being addressed. In my opinion this could put enormous pressures on our services and may mean we are unable to fulfil our statutory duties.

It is my opinion Bridgend Borough Council via Welsh Government should receive a fair funding from the UK Government, so this council can achieve its goals in manner that means that our residents, who we were voted to represent. Instead of facing reductions in budgets that are having an impact on an essential range of services and could play a vital role in the health and well-being of the people we serve”. He proposed that Council:

 

  • condemns the potential £75.3 million reduction in its budget imposed by the UK Government, as a result of the reduction in the block grant funding from Westminster, to Welsh Government, which in turn means reduction to Bridgend Council budgets.
  • campaigns for a fairer funding grant for Bridgend Council from UK Government.
  • continues to be open and honest about the scale of the reduction and the damage they could do to our local communities.
  • asks the Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary State for Wales requesting fairer funding for Bridgend Borough Council and its residents.

 

Following comments made by a number of Members on the Notice of Motion, an electronic vote was taken on whether or not a Recorded Vote should be taken on this Notice of Motion. The results were as follows:

 

For                                     Against                            Abstention

39                                       2                                      2  

 

Therefore Council agreed that a recorded vote be taken on the Notice of Motion, the results were as follows:-

 

For                                     Against                             Abstention  

Cllr P A Davies                  Cllr A Pucella                   Cllr M Clarke

Cllr G Thomas                   Cllr M Voisey                   Cllr S Dendy  

Cllr J H Tildesley               Cllr K J Watts                   Cllr A Williams

Cllr D White                       Cllr R Stirman                  Cllr E Venables

Cllr N Burnett                     Cllr L Walters

Cllr R Collins                      Cllr S Vidal

Cllr P Davies                      Cllr T Giffard

Cllr J Gebbie

Cllr R Granville

Cllr S Baldwin

Cllr J Radcliffe

Cllr T Thomas

Cllr T Beedle  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

75.

Urgent Items

To consider any item(s) of business in respect of which notice has been given in

accordance with Part 4 (paragraph 4) of the Council Procedure Rules and which the person presiding at the meeting is of the opinion should by reason of special circumstances be transacted at the meeting as a matter of urgency. 

Minutes:

None

 

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