The Leader announced that the Council is aiming to reopen children’s play areas by 30 July.  He stated that all sites could not be opened immediately as each site had to be properly risk assessed and inspected to make sure they are safe to use, the play equipment is not damaged or vandalised and we are able to take all necessary precautions to limit the potential for exposure to the coronavirus.  To accommodate this new signage has to be introduced to advise people on requirements of social distancing and use of hand sanitizer in the play area and more. 

He also announced that the annual electoral canvas is underway and the Council is encouraging as many eligible householders as possible to complete their registrations online as part of efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus.  He informed Council that following the Bill passed by members of the Senedd in November last year, teenagers aged 14 and 15 years of age can now register as pre attainers so they can vote at the age of 16.  He hoped Members will encourage local residents to complete the canvas where ever necessary and the electoral pages of the Council’s website contain more details about how they can do this. 

The Leader also announced that throughout the pandemic the Council has undertaken a range of initiatives designed to help local sports clubs, this includes setting up the Bridgend Sport Support Fund to provide clubs with grants for up to £1,000.  There had been a recent decision to waive fees for the 2019-20 season and ongoing support for clubs that are already developing community asset transfers.  More support has been made available through the Sports Wales De-active Wales Fund this is enabling clubs to apply for grants for between £300 to £50,000 to help pay for utilities, insurance and other fixed costs that may be in place for facility or equipment hire.  It can also help clubs make adaptations to ensure that activities are safe such as introducing one way system, providing hand sanitizer and online booking platforms or installing health and safety signage.  If Members are aware of any local clubs within their communities who may benefit from this full details are available at the Sports Wales website and we would encourage sports clubs to take full advantage of the funding opportunities available.

He also wanted to inform constituents know that with the pandemic still in effect a range of financial support is available for anyone who is facing difficulty paying their Council Tax.  More than 6,000 letters had been issued to advising residents of outstanding balances on their accounts.  He stated this was a particular challenging and uncertain time and the Council has sought to work with residents whenever possible.  A range of options are available including reductions, discounts and referrals and he hoped Members will encourage anyone who may be experiencing issues to contact the authority in order to find a way forward.

The Leader announced that today’s meeting of Council would be the last meeting to be attended by Sue Cooper, Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing, prior to her retirement.  He referred to the Director’s   distinguished record as a leader of such an important profession to this authority and to Wales.  A profession that she had been part of all her working life and she had been very passionate about the support provided to the most vulnerable of the Borough and her determination to ensure the heart of all the decisions made was there from the first day she started working for Ogwr Borough Council and it will be there for the last day she works for Bridgend Borough Council.  Ms Cooper started on the front line and that dedication to the citizens and to the communities of Bridgend has been demonstrated time and time again and not least by her recent decision to defer her retirement as the pandemic was having such a devastating impact in Bridgend.   He stated that she had changed her plans as she wanted to lead the authority’s response to the emergency in Social Services.  He thanked Ms Cooper for the outstanding job she has done.

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help thanked the Director   for her dedication, determination to get things done and to get them done safely which had been a superb trait and done with compassion.  He was so proud to be a colleague and a friend of yours and from speaking to others in her profession and position had admired her professionalism and a role model for others.  He stated that she had been inspirational over the last 5 years taking the Directorate through the transformation programme and merging the authority into a new health region, that transition fhad been a great success for Bridgend.  He informed Council that she had reached the pinnacle of her career reaching it through sheer hard work.  He was going to miss Ms Cooper and felt the Directorate is fit for purpose for the 21 century and this authority and the people and residents of Bridgend are better for her contribution and compassion for doing things right for social care in Bridgend and for Wales.  He wished Ms Cooper a long and healthy retirement.  

The Leader of the Opposition reiterated everything all her colleagues had said and that she would miss Ms Cooper greatly.  She thanked her for the professional way in which she had carried out her role and what she has done for the residents of the County Borough of Bridgend and especially for its most vulnerable residents and wished her a very happy and long retirement. 

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing thanked the Members for their comments, which had left her overwhelmed.  She stated that it had been a tough few months but felt Bridgend has come through it really well and it had been a privilege to work alongside everybody during the last few months.  She thanked everyone for their support over 36 years, and particularly thanked the Leader and Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help, the former Leader of the Council and to the previous Cabinet Member.  She stated that it has been hard at times and really challenging but always been rewarding.  It had been a privilege to being a small part in supporting and improving the lives of people and those people how are most vulnerable.  She stated that she is very proud of her profession and to be a social worker and very proud to work of the Council, which has a really good reputation.  She thanked all for their good wishes.