To receive apologies for absence from Members / Officers for the reasons so stated.

Apologies for absence were received from D McMillan and R Hemingway.

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 personal declarations of interest were made in relation to Agenda item 5:-

Councillor PJ White – As a Director of a company that provides project management support in respect of the Upper Llynfi Geo-thermal Heat Network Project.

Councillors H Townsend and HM Williams – As Board Members of V2C.  

To receive for approval the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet of 12 April 2016

RESOLVED:                That the Minutes of a meeting of Cabinet dated 12   April 2016 be approved as a true and accurate record.

To update Cabinet on the current capital programme and to seek approval to present a report to Council for a revised capital programme for 2016-17 to 2025-26

The Chief Executive presented a report, the purpose of which, was to update Cabinet on the current capital programme, and to seek approval to present a report to Council for a revised capital programme for 2016-17 to 2025-26.

He confirmed that in March 2016, Council approved a capital programme for the above period of £163.774m as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). This reflected funding changes to some schemes, slippage into 2016-17, additional external funding approvals and new capital investment requirements identified following a rigorous appraisal process of new risks and priorities against funding availability. The capital programme was attached to the report for information at Appendix 1.

The Chief Executive advised that since the MTFS was approved by Council, a small number of additional schemes had been identified that needed approval for inclusion in the capital programme, and these were as follows:-

• Solar Panels Civic Offices
• Digital Transformation Programme
• Vibrant and Viable Places (VVP)
• Coleg Cymunedol y Dderwen (CCYD) Hub
• 21^st Century Schools Programme (including Highway Works and 21^st Century Schools’ Matched Funding)

For the benefit of Cabinet Members, the Chief Executive gave a resume of each of these schemes.

He then confirmed that a revised capital programme allowing for the inclusion of the above additional schemes, along with additional external funding approvals and changes to expenditure profiles since the report in March 2016, was attached at Appendix 2 to the report.

The Cabinet Member Resources advised, that as was noted in March when Council approved the MTFS and the capital programme for 2016-17 onwards, it was pleasing to be able to report on significant levels of new investment in Council assets at a time of general financial uncertainty. In terms of the new schemes proposed in the report, there was a strong link with the Council’s priority of Making Smarter Use of Resources, and investing in schemes that will produce recurrent revenue streams going forward, to contribute towards the MTFS targets.

The Digital Transformation programme was a radical change in approach to the way in which we engage with our customers, but should bring greater levels of customer satisfaction through more responsive service provision, in addition to revenue savings.

The 21^st Century Schools Programme is the cornerstone of our capital programme, with investment of £45m in schools across Bridgend, and we are now starting to see the results of this investment being realised, with the recently opened Ysgol Bryn Castell and Coity Primary schools, along with more state of the art facilities for additional learning needs. It was important that we continued to see this programme through to ensure that the children in Bridgend schools benefit as far as possible, from first class educational facilities.

The Deputy Leader commended the ongoing proposals in respect of the 21^st Century Schools Programme and pointed out that there would be a cost of £725k for additional highway works required in respect of the Brynmenyn and Garw Valley Primary school schemes. These works were essential however,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 897.

To update Cabinet about the progress that has been made regarding the Smart System of Heat Programme (SSH) and secure Cabinet support to continue to develop the programme going forward which will require BCBC to create a Special Purpose Vehicle, commission further works to advance the project, improve governance within the programme and identify and procure suitable private sector partners.

The Corporate Director Communities submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to update Cabinet about the progress that has been made regarding the Smart System of Heat Programme (SSH) and secure Cabinet support to continue to develop the programme going forward which will require BCBC to create a Special Purpose Vehicle, commission further works to advance the project, improve governance within the programme and identify and procure suitable private sector partners.

By way of background information, he confirmed that BCBC was selected as a demonstrator for the SSH Programme in October 2014.  Cabinet previously received a report (3^rd February 2015) regarding the programme and to authorise BCBC participation.  The SSH Programme was an ambitious, highly prestigious project, which will catapult BCBC into the role of one of the leading low carbon local authorities in the UK.  The programme offers significant benefits and opportunities to the Authority, and these were outlined in paragraph 3.1 of the report.

He then advised that the programme within Bridgend would be divided into three phases, with Phase 2 comprising of two distinct stages, namely Phase 2 Development and Phase 2 Delivery, and further information regarding these processes was shown in paragraphs 3 of the report.

The Corporate Director Communities then advised that two demonstrator schemes had been proposed, and these were the Bridgend Town Heat Network Project and the Upper Llynfi Valley Geo-thermal Heat Network Project.

He then referred to paragraphs 4 of the report, which updated Members on some of the work being undertaken in respect of these Projects, and of the pivotal role that the ABMU had played in the Bridgend Town Heat Network Project.

Paragraphs 4.9, 4.10, 4.11 and 4.12 of the report then outlined current governance structures within the programme which existed at three different levels, while paragraphs 4.13 to 4.18 advised of the Delivery Structures and a variety of different models that could be used.

The Corporate Director Communities that a Business Case would be established, and that this would inform a future Cabinet report with recommendations for the most suitable strategic, commercial, financial, economic and management outcomes that were most suitable to meet the aims and objectives of BCBC and the SSH programme

He advised also that a soft marketing exercise would be carried out, to establish any local private sector interest in terms of the proposals of the report, as well as the possible establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with ESC as a vehicle through which finance for the project could flow from a national to a more local level, subject to approval from the various grant awarding bodies, without exposing BCBC to undue financial risk.

The final part of the report referred to the City Deal and how this could assist in the Smart System and Heat Programme, the next steps that will be followed in relation to the schemes, with the report culminating with the financial implications upon which the Corporate Director Communities expanded upon.

The Corporate Director Communities advised that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 898.

To set out for consideration by Cabinet the proposed procedures and charging structure to be adopted under the Council’s Comfort Scheme and revisions to the opening and closing times of public conveniences in the County Borough.

The Corporate Director Communities presented a report that set out for consideration by Cabinet, the proposed procedures and charging structure to be adopted under the Council’s Comfort Scheme, as well as revisions to the opening and closing times of public conveniences in the County Borough.

He confirmed that to support the review of public conveniences Cabinet had decided last year to reinstate grants to businesses under the Council’s Comfort Scheme, who agree to make their toilets available for use by non-paying customers.

Paragraphs 4 of the report explained how the Council were now going to introduce its own Comfort Scheme, and that it would invite applications and consider them against specific criteria as detailed in paragraph 4.5 of the report.

Cabinet was being asked to consider the detail outlined in this criteria and to recommend the adoption of the procedure described for assessing a business’s suitability to participate in the scheme as set out in Table 1, and the level of grant to be awarded in accordance with the points score detailed in Table 2.

The Corporate Director Communities concluded his submission by confirming that public opening times in respect of public toilets needed to be made as a result of savings required under the MTFS.

The Cabinet Member Regeneration and Economic Development confirmed that there were different options and models available for different areas of the County Borough based on demand as illustrated in the report, and that meetings could be undertaken with Members in Maesteg, Porthcawl and Bridgend to take proposals forward.

The Deputy Leader emphasised that the proposals detailed in the report had emerged due to further savings that were required under the Council’s MTFS

The Cabinet Member Children’s Social Services and Equalities asked if consideration could be given to catering for the disabled and young children who may need changing when out with their parents, when considering the applications. 

RESOLVED:                        That Cabinet approved:-

1.        The revised Public Convenience opening hours as set out in the Appendix to the report, with it noted that in view of representations received by certain local Members in Porthcawl, a decision be deferred for one month in respect of the opening hours of the public conveniences in Porthcawl, at John Street, Griffin Park and Rest Bay, pending a meeting with all elected Members, to see whether an alternative solution can be found.

2.        The re-introduction of the local ‘Comfort Scheme’ on the basis set out in the report.

3.        The provision of a grant up to maximum of £500 in any one year to a business making their toilets available for public use.

4.         The value of the grant to be set in accordance with Section 4.5 of the report as detailed in Table 1 and Table 2.

To seek Cabinet approval to support the progression of the Bridgend Business Improvement District (BID) to ballot and to decide in particular how the Council should vote in the proposed ballot and to seek Cabinet approval to establish the legal requirements to enable the Council to deliver on its key roles and responsibilities in respect of the proposed BID.

The Corporate Director Communities presented a report, that looked to seek Cabinet approval to support the progression of the Bridgend Business Improvement District (BID) to ballot and decide in particular, how the Council should vote in the prosed ballot, and also to seek Cabinet approval to establish the legal requirements to enable the Council to deliver on its key roles and responsibilities in respect of the proposed BID.

By way of background information, the Corporate Director Communities advised that the BID has been in development since 2014, following one-off funding of £25k from Welsh Government and the Council.

He advised that the aim of a BID was to deliver a sustainable financial model to a defined geographical area of a town or city, where businesses have voted through a ballot process to invest collectively in local improvements.

The Corporate Director Communities further advised that, in order for businesses to establish a BID it is necessary to undertake a ballot and secure a positive vote. Each separate property occupied or owned by a business rate payer (referred to as a hereditament) attracts a vote. To be successful the vote must meet two tests: more than 50% of votes cast must be in favour of the BID and the ‘yes’ vote must represent more than 50% of the aggregate rateable value of votes cast. A vote in favour of the BID proposals on the basis of these two criteria being met means that all eligible businesses have to pay the levy, irrespective of whether they voted for it. If the ballot is successful a BID company limited by guarantee will be established.

He then confirmed, that the Bridgend BID (CF31) has commenced its campaign period following 24 months of development by the BID Steering Group. The BID Steering Group consists of representatives from the business community, a representative from Bridgend Town Council and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development. The Group is independently advised and steered through the BID process by specialist consultants ‘The Means’, appointed by the Council. The BID would outline a programme of services that it would intend delivering over a 3 year term.

The    The Corporate Director Communities added that businesses had identified their specific priorities for the town centre in the draft BID proposal: developing strategy and supporting business, better marketing, a safer and more welcoming town, and improving access and parking. Cabinet should note he added, that an Access Study has been commissioned for Queen St, Dunraven Place and Market Street, in Bridgend Town Centre, which will help inform the BID priority of improving access and parking. This would be presented to Cabinet in June.

He then advised that, at the time of the preparation of this report the Council has only received a draft BID proposal, and the finalised BID proposal required to be submitted under the Regulations had as of yet, not been submitted prior to the commencement of today’s meeting. In view of this, it will be necessary to delegate power  ...  view the full minutes text for item 900.

To seek approval for the schedule of meetings of Cabinet, Corporate Parenting Cabinet Committee and the Equalities Cabinet Committee for the period June 2016 - May 2017; propose Children’s and Equalities Champions who will chair the Corporate Parenting and Equalities Cabinet Committees; confirm the process for nomination of Champions from each of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees to the Corporate Parenting Cabinet Committee and to seek approval of the invitees to attend meetings of the Equalities Cabinet Committee as nominated by each of the political groups represented on Council.

The Corporate Director Operational and Partnership Services submitted a report, the purpose of which was to seek approval for the schedule of meetings of Cabinet, Corporate Parenting Cabinet Committee and the Equalities Cabinet Committee for the period June 2016 - May 2017. Propose Children’s and Equalities Champions who will chair the Corporate Parenting and Equalities Cabinet Committees;  confirm the process for nomination of Champions from each of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees to the Corporate Parenting Cabinet Committee, and finally to seek approval of the invitees to attend meetings of the Equalities Cabinet Committee as nominated by each of the political groups represented on Council.

RESOLVED:                     That Cabinet:-

  1.   Approved the schedule of meeting dates for Cabinet, Corporate Parenting Cabinet Committee and the Equalities Cabinet Committee meetings for the period May 2015 – May 2016 as outlined in Paragraphs 4.1.2, 4.2.1 and 4.3.1 of the report.

  2.        That the Deputy Leader be appointed as lead Member for Children and Young People, Children’s Champion and Chairperson of the Corporate Parenting Cabinet Committee.

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

  4.       That the Cabinet Member Childrens Social Services and Equalities be appointed as the Equalities Champion and as Chairperson of the Equalities Cabinet Committee.

  5.       That Cabinet approved nominations of the invitees to the Equalities Cabinet Committee on the basis of 7 Labour Members, 2 Independent / Alliance Members and 1 Independent Annibynnwr Member, as based on the existing members detailed in paragraph 4.3.3 of the report, with Councillor N Clarke taking up the vacant position of Invitee from the Independent/Alliance group.   

To inform Cabinet of the requirements of the play sufficiency statutory duty in Wales and the approach that has been taken in Bridgend in response to the requirements and to seek approval of the proposed action plan in response to the play sufficiency assessment.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing submitted a report, that informed Cabinet of the requirements of the play sufficiency statutory duty in Wales, and the approach that has been taken in Bridgend in response to the requirements, and to seek approval of the proposed action plan in response to the play sufficiency assessment.

The report outlined some background information, following which, the Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing advised that Bridgend County Borough Council recognised that to achieve its aim of creating a play friendly county and to provide excellent opportunities for our children and young people, it would be necessary to work with partners and other stakeholders towards this purpose. The Welsh Government’s core aims for children and young people recognised that this duty may mitigate the negative effects of poverty, build resilience, and support the development of physical, social, mental, emotional and creative skills. It also recognised the benefits of experiential learning, physical activity and in some contexts therapy.

She went on to add, that there was an emphasis on meeting the diverse needs of children, including those who are disabled, and children of differing ages up to and including 17 years.  There was also recognition of the impact of poverty and isolation on access to play and recreation.

The Play Sufficiency assessment (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) should contribute to the overall needs assessment being conducted by the Public Service Board and the action plan for securing sufficient play opportunities should be linked to the Single Integrated Plan the Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing advised that Bridgend County Borough Council had been required to complete the second phase of assessment, and a draft copy of this document had been provided to Welsh Government, together with an Action Plan based on the resources available to the local authority.

She explained the issues/assessment to be taken into account in undertaking the Play Sufficiency Assessments were shown in paragraph 4.9 of the report.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing then referred to paragraphs 4.10 – 4.13 and certain partnership working arrangements required to take the proposals in the report further forward.

In terms of the Action Plan, the assessment had identified a number of issues to be addressed within this. The Action Plan was shown in Appendix 2 to the report.

The Cabinet Member Children’s Social Services and Equalities welcomed the report, as she was pleased to see positive action being taken with regard to both informal and formal play opportunities as described in the report. She looked forward to meeting Officers and Cabinet Members with a view to addressing certain issues within the Action Plan.

The Cabinet Member Regeneration and Economic Development, asked the presenting Officer to consider bringing the report to the attention of the Planning Department in order to consult with Officers there upon areas detailed within the Local Development Plan, that had been allocated for open space/recreation

RESOLVED:                        That Cabinet:-

  1.         Noted the responsibilities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 902.

To outline the joint working arrangements currently in place between the statutory and third sector organisations who participate in the ABMU wide Carers Partnership Board; describe the rationale behind the production of the Valuing Carers Transition Plan and approve the Valuing Carers Compact and participation in the delivery of the Valuing Carers Transition Plan.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to outline the joint working arrangements currently in place between the statutory and third sector organisations who participate in the ABMU wide Carers Partnership Board; describe the rationale behind the production of the Valuing Carers Transition Plan; and approve the Valuing Carers Compact and participation in the delivery of the Valuing Carers Transition Plan.

She explained that according to the 2011 Census, there were 17,919 carers in Bridgend, 20,365 carers in Neath Port Talbot and 30,349 carers in the area of Swansea. In total 68,633 or 13% of the ABMU population were carers.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing advised that the Valuing Carers Compact attached at Appendix A to the report, had been drafted to formalise joint working and provide a framework for collaborative working between all the organisations which make up the ABMU Carers Partnership Board, and the current organisations that participated in this were listed in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

She went on to explain further, that in February 2016, the Minister for Health and Social Services agreed an allocation of transitional funding to protect and build on progress to date and to prepare for the expansion of carers rights on the implementation of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.

The Valuing Carers Transition Plan at Appendix B to the report, had been produced by the ABMU Carers Partnership Board with the aim of improving the lives of carers by the methods shown in paragraph 4.5 of the report.

In terms of the report’s financial implications, the Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing confirmed that Welsh Government had made a commitment to provide transition funding to move forward from the Carers Measure to the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act across Wales. Any additional costs would be met from within the Directorates budget.

The Cabinet Member Adult Social Care and Health and Wellbeing advised that it was incredible to note that there were 63,000 carers across the ABMU area, and if all these individuals decided to give up their role as a carer then this would impact greatly on the people they looked after, therefore the Compact was a small token of good gesture for carers. He also welcomed the commitment of transitional funding from the Welsh Government.

The Cabinet Member Childrens Social Services and Equalities advised that she had met with some of the young carers, and she was pleased to note that this formal arrangement would be of some benefit to them.

The Deputy Leader added that some of the young carers had asked for a young carers card which confirms they are a carer, so that if need be, they were able to go to their teacher or tutor if a problem urgently arose whereby they had to leave school or college to urgently support the person or persons they cared for.

RESOLVED:                      That Cabinet:-

        1.         Noted the content of the report.

        2.            Approved sign  ...  view the full minutes text for item 903.

To inform Cabinet of the progress made on the Bridgend ‘Welsh in Education Strategic Plan’ and to seek approval of the publication of the document in line with Welsh Government requirements.

The Head of Education and Early Help submitted a report, that informed Cabinet of the progress made on the Bridgend ‘Welsh in Education Strategic Plan’ (WESP), and looked for Cabinet approval of the publication of the document in line with Welsh Government requirements.

She confirmed that Cabinet first approved the Bridgend Local Authority WESP in March 2014 and it was subsequently approved by Welsh Government Department for Education and Skills (DfES) in June 2014 and a progress update was collected in December 2014. The Plan continues to be reviewed and updated annually prior to seeking approval from Welsh Government.

The Plan (shown at Appendix A to the report) was submitted to Welsh Government on 17^th December 2015. It was approved subject to modifications on 24^th March 2016 and was formally approved by Welsh Government on 13^th April 2016 via email, followed with a letter in April 2016 (Appendix B).

The Head of Education and Early Help confirmed that an Initial Screening EIA had been undertaken on the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan which indicates that a full EIA would be required over the next 12 months, and this will provide monitoring data on which to base further decisions regarding the detail of the WESP.

The Deputy Leader confirmed that there had been a comprehensive consultation exercise carried out when the WESP was first developed, and there was also a WESP Forum in being that was represented by individuals from the welsh language sector to assist in the implementation of the Plan, and also to monitor progress on this.

The Cabinet Member - Social Services and Wellbeing noted that there was a steady growth in terms of welsh medium learning, which was currently around 9%.  He asked that if there was a significant rise in this percentage, then could this be accommodated by the WESP.

The Head of Education and Early Help concurred that there had been a steady rise in demand from young people wishing to be taught Welsh, and there was enough total school places overall both at primary and secondary age level, however there was a shortage of spaces in the south of Bridgend that was being considered. 

RESOLVED:                      That Cabinet approved the revised WESP, and authorised publication of this on the BCBC website from 1 June 2016. 

To inform Cabinet of the outcome of the consultation on the proposals to close the moderate learning difficulties (MLD) learning resource centre provision at Pil Primary School.

The Head of Education and Early Help presented a report in order to inform Cabinet of the outcome of the consultation on the proposals to close the moderate learning difficulties (MLD) learning resource centre provision at Pil Primary School.

She confirmed that the resource centre had been considered surplus to requirements, due to the fact that only one Year 6 child with ALN had been taught in this class in the current year.

The Head of Education and Early Help explained further that there were still two separate learning resource centres in the same area ie the west, Cornelly and Cefn Cribwr Primary schools, and there would be a combined number of 12 empty spaces in these classes as of September 2016, and it had also been projected that there would remain spaces available at these learning resource centres up to the years 2020-2022

She proceeded by advising that in order to progress a proposal to close the MLD resource centre at Pil Primary School, consultation exercises were undertaken in March/April 2016, with staff, governors, parents and pupils of Pil Primary School, as well as the wider community, in accordance with the Statutory School Organisation Code. A copy of the consultation document was also made available during the above period on the Council’s website. Subject to Cabinet approval, the next stage of the process was to publish a statutory notice outlining the proposals, which would need to be published for a period of 28 days, and any formal written objections would be invited during this time.

With regard to the report’s financial implications a projected annual saving of £45k would be made from the closure of the MLD learning resource centre, and the Head of Education and Early Help stated that this would be contributed toward funding other learning resource centre provision within other Primary Schools in the BCB.

The Deputy Leader reiterated that there had been an extensive consultation process on the proposal, and all the questions and comments raised in respect of the proposal were responded to and contained in the Consultation Report attached to the covering report.

He also emphasised that there were spaces for primary school age pupils in two of the nearby primary schools that could accommodate children with ALN not just next year, but in the foreseeable future also.

The Cabinet Member – Children’s Social Services and Equalities stated that she was pleased to note that a full EIA had been carried out in respect of the proposal.

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet:

(1)          Noted the outcome of the consultation with interested parties as detailed in the attached Consultation Report. The Consultation Report was attached at Appendix 1 of the report.

(2)          Approved the Consultation Report for publication.

Authorised the publication of a Statutory Public Notice on the proposal.

To gain approval from Cabinet for the amended Corporate Health and Safety Policy. 

The Health and Safety Manager presented a report that sought approval from Cabinet for the amended Corporate Health and Safety (H & S) Policy attached at Appendix A to the report.

She explained that the current H & S Policy was agreed by Cabinet in March 2016 with a 3 year review period.

The Health and Safety Manager referred to the current situation, and that a review of the Policy was required following the organisational structure changes that were approved at a recent meeting of Council. These changes were reflected on page of the policy and detailed in paragraph 4.1 of the report.

In terms of the H & S Steering Group she explained that the Corporate Director Education and Family Support would now be Chairperson of this, as Health and Safety in the Authority was now her responsibility.

RESOLVED:                    That Cabinet approved the revised Corporate Health and Safety Policy April 2016 at Appendix A to the report.

To seek approval from Cabinet for the appointment of Local Authority governors to the school governing bodies listed. 

The Head of Education and Early Help presented a report, seeking approval from Cabinet for the appointment of Local Authority Governors (LA) governors to the school governing bodies listed in the report.

RESOLVED:                      That Cabinet approved the appointments listed in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of the report.

To inform Cabinet of the Information Report which has been published since the last scheduled meeting. 

The Corporate Director Operational and Partnership Services submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to inform Cabinet of the Information reports published since its last meeting of Cabinet

The Deputy Leader confirmed that he welcomed the report outlining the next steps to be taken in relation to the design and construction of Brynmenyn Primary school, and he was pleased to see that a Contractor had now been appointed following invitation going out to tender for the works.

RESOLVED:                        That Cabinet acknowledged the publication of the documents 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 minutes and reports relating to the following items are not for publication as they contain 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 these items in private, the public will be excluded from the meeting during such consideration.

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

                                      The Corporate Director Operational and Partnership Services confirmed that in respect of agenda items 18 and 19, the public interest test applied. His advice to Cabinet was to consider taking these items in closed session, as not to do so, would confirm the business affairs of the Authority and a third party. In respect of agenda item 20, he confirmed that this report was not subject to the public interest test for reasons of legal professional privilege. He added however, that Members may also wish to consider this item in closed session, as the report contained Council advice that should be received in confidence and therefore considered in private. 

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

To receive for approval the exempt minutes of the meeting of Cabinet of 12 April 2016