To receive apologies for absence from Members.

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. 

To receive the minutes of a meeting of Council dated 4 October 2017.

 (i)   Mayor (or person presiding)

 (ii)  Members of the Cabinet

(iii)  Chief Executive

‘That Bridgend County Borough Council:-

Welcomes the measures which Welsh Government has taken to date in promoting tourism across Wales and the positive affect this has had on the County Borough’s tourism industry.

Regrets the inclusion of a ‘Tourism Tax’ in the list of ideas being considered as the first tax Welsh Government will introduce under its new powers.

Believes a tax on tourist accommodation could work against this council’s tourism destination investment strategy targeted at increasing the volume and length of visitor stays across the County Borough.

Believes the proposals could undermine the business sector sustainability, investment and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry in tourism within the County Borough.

Believes there are other more viable and cost effective ways of supporting public funding challenges in the future as per attached analysis.

Makes representation to the Welsh Government that Bridgend County Borough Council strongly opposes the idea of a tax on Tourism for the reasons mentioned.’

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. 

(a)  Question from Councillor Sorrel Dendy to the Deputy Leader

“From the 1 April 2017, local authorities have been able to charge a premium of up to 100% of the standard rate of Council Tax on long-term empty homes and second homes in their areas. Could the Deputy Leader please tell me if it has been considered by Cabinet at any point during their term/terms of office at the Authority?”

(b)  Question from Councillor Altaf Hussain to the Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help

“Last year the ABMU Health Board said it was “doing everything possible” to deal with the increasing demand for its services during the winter period. This included opening more beds, holding more clinics and working closely with Social Services. Will the Cabinet Member inform Council what plans this Authority has in place to support the ABMU Health Board with managing and minimising the demand for its services, and in turn, reducing the implications for the residents of the County Borough which are likely to occur this winter.”