None Mentioned

The Democratic Services Manager delivered the report to the committee.

The Chairperson stated that he had requested feedback from his group in relation to the induction period, he shared that Members had advised him that they had found the marketplace experience useful.

The fluctuating attendance of members to member development sessions was raised with the chairperson suggested re-looking at the timings that training is conducted at and proposed conducting a survey. The DSM confirmed a survey on Member Development was already scheduled.

A member of the committee gave feedback about the Market Place event and made suggestions for improvement for such events and training in the future.

The manner in which training is conducted with suggestions for improvement was discussed between the Democratic Services Manager and other members.

 

The Democratic Services Manager (DSM) stated that in relation to the comments made by Members regarding the forward work programme, there had been a mention of Members having a report on the Councillor Portal. The data was being chased but was unavailable at this time. The portal team through the Customer Services team and ICT were having issues with providing the data.

The DSM assured Members that it was being chased and the Head of Partnership Services had provided assurances that they would look to make the report available in time for the next meeting in February 2023.

The DSM stated that there was a proposal in one of the meetings that some Members may have attended, to have a working group of members to look at the portal and test the various stages as it was still in development and there was a need for monitoring. She mentioned that she had suggested to the Head of Partnership Services and the Group Manager – Legal and Democratic Services that the working group could be represented by members of the Democratic Services Committee.

There was then a discussion between members on the best course of action to progress this proposal.

 

RESOLVED : The committee noted the report and appendices.

 

The committee agreed to identify additional Member Development topics to be included and prioritised in the overall development plan.

 

The Committee requested that:

·         The Member survey seek views on the timing of these Member Development sessions as well as the appropriateness of training thus far, accessibility and any potential gaps;

·         A Marketplace event would be useful sooner after future elections;

·         Consideration be given to various training techniques and methods to encourage Member involvement;

·         Chairs be considered for all training to ensure structure to the session and keep Members on track;

·         The DSM manager explore whether there is a way to monitor when recordings of training sessions have been viewed for those who may not be able to attend the actual session.

 

 

The Democratic Services Manager presented the report and summarised the points for the committee.

The Chairperson and other members discussed their concerns about the contents of the report, particularly in relation to the proposed increase in pay for Members and the impression this might leave with their constituents in light of the cost of living crisis.

 

RESOLVED : The Committee noted the report and appendices.

                       The Committee agreed to provide the following response in respect of the IRPW Draft Annual Report 2023-2024.  to the IRPW and WLGA to be submitted by the 1^st December 2022:

 

‘The Committee recognise that given the cost-of-living crisis and the undeniable difficulties that many people in the County Borough are experiencing at the moment and likely to in the near future, it appears somewhat inappropriate to have pay rises for Elected Members for 2023-2024.  However, it is also accepted that personal circumstances of Members need to be considered and therefore it should be a personal matter for Members to determine themselves whether or not they accept the pay rise or make the choice to opt-out.’

 

 

None Mentioned

RESOLVED:   That the minutes of a meeting of the Democratic

                      Services Committee held on the 07/07/2022 were   

                      approved as a true and accurate record. 

 

 

RESOLVED : That the minutes  of the meeting  dated 12/10/2022 be approved as a true and accurate record.

Cabinet Member for Communities

Group Manager - Case Management & Transition

 

None

None

 

RESOLVED: That that minutes of the 27/07/2022 be approved as a true and accurate record.

 

None

RESOLVED:                                 That the minutes of a meeting of the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting dated 2 March 2022, be approved as a true and accurate record.

 

None.

 

None.

 

RESOLVED:          That the Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Act 2003 Committee of 9th November 2021 be approved as a true and accurate record.

Councillor S Bletsoe gave an introductory speech on why he considered the Council should support the following Notice of Motion as proposed by him and seconded by Councillor D Harrison. He stated that in light of years of austerity from central government, which has seen BCBC budgets slashed year on year and departments in this authority referred to as "barely fit for purpose" and in light of the current Cost of Living crisis which is placing pressures on all Councils to produce a lawful, balanced budget for 2023/24:-

 

“This Council requests that the Cabinet reviews the CCRD agreement and if permissible considers seeking the agreement of ALL CCRD member Councils to negotiate the postponement or significant reduction of the scheduled CCRD payments for 2023/4, thus allowing authorities to set balanced budgets that maximise the resources available to protect services within their areas.”

 

The Leader responded by confirming that in view of current financial restraints that included the recent increase of interest rates, cost of living demands (including increased utility bills) and high inflation etc, Cabinet would look to review all the Authorities joint working arrangements with key partner organisations amongst others, due to the fact that similar to other neighbouring authorities, it was essential that the Council made efficiency savings in all areas where there was scope to do so.

 

Council unanimously supported the Notice of Motion.

The Chief Executive presented a report on presentations that the Council receives from time to time from its key partners, which in turn, introduced representatives Huw Jakeway, Chris Barton and Councillor Pamela Drake from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, in order for them to give an update on the work of the Service to Council.

 

Mr Jakeway firstly gave a brief introduction of the South Wales Fire Service, that had been born from local government reorganisation in 1996, where 8 County Councils which had their own individual Fire Brigades then went to the 22 local authorities. Arising from this, he advised that the Fire and Rescue Services in Wales then became combined fire authorities. He then passed over to Mr. Barton to give some financial context in terms of their submission.

 

Mr. Barton advised that the South Wales Fire Service covered the following County Borough’s, that included a varying number of Fire Stations/establishments (47 in total) that also existed in each of these areas:-

 

•           Bridgend

•           Rhondda Cynon Taf

•           Vale of Glamorgan

•           Caerphilly

•           Merthyr Tydfil

•           Blaenau Gwent

•           Torfaen

•           Monmouth

•           Cardiff

•           Newport

 

He confirmed that each of the constituent Authorities committed a budget towards the operation of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service that was in proportion of the population of each of the areas (Bridgend being 147,892), and in terms of Bridgend, this equated to in the region of £7.5m (just under 10%) of the overall budget. The Service also was supported financially by a nominal amount of grant funding allocation. A large percentage of this budget he explained, went to employees, but this also included resource for the likes of Transport, Supplies, Training, Premises, Pensions and Capital Finance.

 

Mr. Barton confirmed that in terms of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service budget history, there had been a cumulative change in its revenue budget contributions over the last number of years. In 2021-22 there had been an underspend in the service of £3.8m due to an over-estimate in pay awards. However, given the recent increase in inflation and interest rate rises, this had now transformed into an estimated overspend of anything between £1m to £3m. He explained that this year’s pay award was still being negotiated but it could well prove that the outcome of that would result in the year’s overspend being assisted by last year’s underspend. The future projection, was that in 2023-24, the budget consideration could account for a two year pay inflation in that year resulting in a further 10% being added onto the Services overall pay bill. He added that all 2022-23 overspends would be absorbed by the Service. The estimated potential £8.4m in financial pressures would equate to a 10.6% increase in the overall budget. The Service’s draft Budget would be considered later this year, he further added.

 

In terms of the Service Medium Term Financial Strategy and the financial outlook, Mr. Barton shared with Members the following:-

 

Year                                                      Potential increase in Budget

 

2023-24                                                             10.6%                                       

2024-25                                                               2.0%

2025-26                                                               2.1%

2026-27                                                               1.7%

 

Mr. Jakeway then shared with Members the number of different services the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service supports, which included putting out wildfires and flooding rescues, supporting NHS colleagues, road traffic collisions and large animal rescues.

 

He added that the Service had also played a major role in community safety support, in incidents where fire is used to intentionally injure or kill.

 

The Service also reached out to schools, in order to educate young people about the dangers associated with fire. This included Fire Cadet courses for 14 – 18 year olds, including the Bernie programme where work had been undertaken at schools and colleges around the problem regarding deliberately setting of fires.                                                            

 

Mr. Jakeway also made reference to a Water Safety campaign that had been established in the Cardiff Bay location, in relation to safety measures connected with late night economy establishments and the public visiting these places and consuming levels of alcohol in an area close to water and the resulting dangers of this.

 

He advised that the Service undertook approximately 17,000 home safety checks each year, that included Fire Risk Assessments and involved the installation in homes of hardware equipment, as well as giving advice to homeowners etc about electrical safety measures residents should be mindful of.

 

The Service also had an active involvement with partner organisations around Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse and Human Trafficking, that included pathway signposting to referrals.

 

Mr. Jakeway then made reference to the Grenfell tragedy in London and that arising from this, the Service was actively looking at issues of cladding, particularly in any high-rise buildings, in order to check their fire safety resistance levels. 

 

In terms of future challenges the Service faced, he confirmed that some of the main ones here were:-

 

·         Industrial action (of Firefighters) due to pay dispute awards;

·         Cost of Living crisis and the impacts of this;

·         Governance and Funding Reform;

·         Welsh Government’s ambitions;

·         Challenges of Climate Change; and

·         Ageing and population challenges

 

Mr. Jakeway then referred to the operational issues of the South Wales Fire Service, where he advised that almost all the investment that was made went towards making communities safe.

 

Prevention was considered extremely important, where a considerable financial commitment was made towards educating the public about areas of fire safety.

 

With support from Public Health Wales, smoke detectors were fitted at some homes where residents were also given anti-crime advice.

 

He paid tribute to the Operational side of the service, which was often unseen when compared to Fire Fighters.

 

The Control Room was where incidents were first reported, where the base there was connected to other emergency services, for example the Police.

 

Following the conclusion of the presentation, the Mayor opened up debate by asking Members if they had any questions for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service representatives.

 

The Deputy Leader noted that there may be industrial action at some point following a ballot that may be undertaken due to a challenge by trade union members to the proposed pay award. She asked if industrial action did take place, what resilience was there as back-up for frontline firefighting staff etc, should there be any strike action.

 

Mr. Jakeway confirmed that there was a very heavily unionised workforce in place within the Service. An example of this, was that in 2013-14 when there was a pay dispute, 1,500 staff took industrial action and due to this, the Service deployed military support from the ‘Green Goddesses’. However, this support was no longer available, so the service employed its own auxiliary firefighters which totalled around 65 in number. If any such strike action did take place in terms of specialised equipment, there would be a reduction to anything between 0 and 8 fire engines that would ordinarily be available to support service needs during any dispute.

 

Members expressed some concerns regarding this and the subsequent danger this would cause to the public.

 

A Member raised some concerns regarding climate change and due to this, the potential increase for grass and forestry fires. He asked if the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service had extra resources in place to deal with this

 

Mr. Jakeway confirmed that the Service was working collaboratively with Natural Resources Wales, in order to ensure that landowners manage vegetation etc on open areas and mountain sides, to ensure that any fire that may start there is managed and put out quickly by the emergency services. South Wales firefighters had in the past, also been assisting out in Greece where there had been some major fires on wasteland caused by the heat. In the case of any fire that did get out of hand and was spreading on land such as this, then aircraft could also be used to carry water and drop this over the area in order to extinguish the fire. He added however, that preventative measures and educating people was also so important in order to avert issues such as this occurring.

 

A Member referred to an operational response to problems associated with fire and the like. She noted that the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service visited schools in order to educate children of most ages. She asked if this was carried out as part of a set programme or was it also reactive upon request, if there was a problem with lighting of fires at any particular location.

 

Mr. Jakeway replied that the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service adopted both of the above methods.

 

She also asked, if Members or the public were aware of any issues with property or buildings where there may be health and safety risks such as cladding that is not fit for purpose, could they bring this to the attention of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service so that they could investigate.

 

Mr. Jakeway welcomed this, though ultimately any remedial or upgraded works to make the property safe, was the responsibility of the buildings Responsible Officer. He added that there may be problems that existed in certain high-rise buildings with cladding, however, there were tighter building regulations that were now in place regarding the safety of buildings to this end. The Service could audit buildings to see if they were safe, following any complaints of this type of nature being received and request that the Responsible Officer makes good these or if not, declares the building unsafe for habitable use.

 

A Member asked what role the retained Fire Brigade has in the County Borough and would the role extend now there were constraints that had emerged with regard to public finances.

 

Mr. Jakeway advised that the retained Fire Brigade were part of the wider South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and on a defined salary scheme. Some of these staff were on-call with others being whole time. The retained contingency had the same level of kit and training etc, as whole-time staff.

 

A Member asked if there were any plans to combine any working establishments such as the Fire and Rescue Service with other emergency services, for example the Paramedics, Lifeguard Services or even the Police.

 

Mr. Jakeway advised that there were no such firm plans for this in the Llynfi Valley at this time, however, it may be possible in other areas and options such as this could be considered going forward, where a sufficient case could be made for this. There were training difficulties however, for employers from the different services to cross over. An example being that whilst Firefighters were trained to deal with cases of trauma, there was insufficient budget available for them to be trained as, for example, a Paramedic.

 

The Member also noted that sometimes car vehicle owners parked their cars over fire hydrants which could result in a highway problem. He asked if there were any moves afoot to make this a criminal offence.

 

Mr. Jakeway advised that he had no knowledge that there were plans to enforce this activity, adding that it was fairly straightforward if there was an urgent need to access a fire hydrant to move any vehicles obstructing these with essential fire safety equipment.

 

The Mayor at this point of the meeting, thanked Officers from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for attending at today’s meeting, giving their submission and responding to questions from Members.

 

RESOLVED:                                That the report of the Chief Executive and the accompanying presentation be noted.        

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support presented a report,  seeking Council approval for a capital budget for the proposed Porthcawl Welsh-medium seedling school scheme’s design and survey costs up to tender stage to be included in the Council’s capital programme. This would be funded from Bridgend County Borough Council resources initially, on the assumption that costs will be recovered once Welsh Government has approved the re-submitted business justification case.

 

He explained that following desktop appraisal of options for developing a Welsh-medium seedling school in the Porthcawl area, a report was submitted to Cabinet in September 2021, who approved the submission of an expression of interest to Welsh Government in respect of the second tranche of the Welsh-medium capital grant. Welsh Government approved this in principle following a business justification case being submitted to them in May 2022. BCBC had recently been advised however, that this needed to be re-submitted, once tenders relating to the scheme have been returned.

 

The Welsh-medium capital grant commits Welsh Government to 100% of the scheme funding, but only upon their approval of the business justification case.

 

Council approval is now required, therefore, to include a capital budget for this scheme’s design and survey costs (up to tender stage) in the Council’s capital programme.

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support, advised that up front design/survey costs (required in order to develop the scheme to tender stage and thereby meet Welsh Government business justification re-submission requirements) were currently estimated to be circa £370k.

 

These costs would need to be funded from uncommitted capital in the interim.

 

The Welsh-medium capital grant commits Welsh Government to 100% of the funding upon approval of the business case and permission for a budget for this scheme’s design and survey costs (up to tender stage) to be included in the Council’s capital programme is now sought from Council, on the assumption that costs will be fully recovered once Welsh Government has approved the re-submitted business justification case. Council approval will be sought to accept the risk in the interim, this being that should Welsh Government ultimately fail to approve the business case, the incurred design and survey costs (up to tender stage) would need to be funded by the Council as abortive revenue costs.

 

A Member whilst welcoming the report, asked why the proposal was for a Welsh Seedling School in this area rather than a Welsh Primary School.

 

The Cabinet Member – Education advised that the new school would cater for Nursery and Reception age children and there would be a proposal moving forward for the provision of welsh medium education for primary aged pupils in time and in conjunction with the further progression of the regeneration work ongoing in the Porthcawl location.

 

A Member asked why consideration hadn’t been given to make provision for Welsh Medium education in other areas of the County Borough, for example in Pencoed.

 

The Cabinet Member – Education advised that due to the excessive areas of flood plain within the town it was difficult to build development in the area, however, in the Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP), consideration would be given for welsh medium education at Pencoed.

 

A Member noted that certain schools previously constructed in areas of the County Borough required extending, due to the fact that the size of the schools had not sufficiently met future new housing allocation in the area and any subsequent increased population that came with this. He therefore sought assurance, that this had been considered in this case.

 

The Cabinet Member – Education acknowledged this, but stated that a change of formula for Section 106 Agreement allocations had now been put in place, that would ensure that this problem in the future will significantly reduce.

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support added his Officers and key Members, had worked closely with the Council’s Planning Officers on the Replacement LDP and housing land allocations and with a reconfiguration of statutory planning guidance he anticipated this would help prevent cases of the above re-occurring in the future. He added that welsh local authorities now had a statutory duty to expand welsh language provision at its schools.

 

A Member asked for some assurance that the new school would reach capacity in terms of pupils and if there was any assurance that this would be the case, as opposed to it becoming over-populated with pupils. If this did not turn out to be the case, could the school possibly be used for alternative means of education

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support advised that the School Modernisation team had done some considerable research which strongly indicated that with the demand in the Porthcawl area and the growth of welsh language learning at an early age in surrounding areas such as Cornelly and Pyle, that there would be no resulting excess spaces at the school upon it being constructed and occupied with pupils. This had been backed-up by survey work, he added. To date around £2.6m of funding had been secured by the Council for welsh medium education provision.

 

In response to a question regarding a breakdown of the finance to support the provision of the new school, the Corporate Director – Education and Family Support, advised that there was a budget of £676k allocated for the project, with application to Welsh Government for £370k funding in the interim to complete feasibility and design work etc. A consultation exercise would also be put in place on the proposal, involving a range of statutory stakeholders. A further progress report would be brought back to Members, should the need arise.

 

The Leader concluded debate adding that at present there was no current provision of welsh medium education within Porthcawl.        

 

RESOLVED:                                   That Council approved a capital budget of £370k for the proposed Porthcawl Welsh-medium seedling school scheme’s design and survey costs up to tender stage to be included in the Council’s capital programme, initially funded from BCBC resources on the assumption that costs will be recovered once Welsh Government has approved the re-submitted business justification case.

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change presented a report, the purpose of which, was to update Council on the mid-year review and half year position for Treasury Management activities and Treasury Management indicators for the current year, and to highlight compliance with the Council’s policies and practices.

  

In terms of the present situation, she reminded Members that Treasury Management is the management of the council's cash flows, borrowing and investment, and the associated risks that run parallel with this.

 

She explained that the Council is exposed to financial risks including the loss of invested funds and the revenue effect of changing interest rates.

 

The successful identification, monitoring and control of financial risk are therefore central to the Council’s prudent financial management.

 

The Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/2023 was approved by Council on the 23 February, the Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change added.

 

She was able to confirm, that the Council had complied with its legislative and regulatory requirements during the first 6 months of this year, with detail regarding its activity shown in Appendix A of the report.

 

The key points to note were:-

 

·         Context in this period:

 

o   Ongoing conflict in Ukraine;

o   Period of increasing inflation and impact on the cost of living;

o   Increased interest rates. Increased from 0.75% to 2.25% at end of September and for some time, more than previously;

 

·         Long-term borrowing at the end of September was £99.94m. Little change over the period of the report.

·         BCBC was unlikely to need to borrow this year but this will be kept under review.

·         The Council does invest its monies and in doing so ensures the security of the funding, the liquidity and then the yield  from that investment.  Investments consist of monies received in advance of expenditure and use of balances and reserves.

·         At the end of September 2022, the sum invested was £98m – with other Local Authorities, Government and money market funds

·         BCBC do take advice from its advisers regularly with regards to where our monies are placed.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change, finally referred Council to Appendix A, which gave more details on the Treasury Management activity for this period.

 

A Member asked how long the Council’s current Treasury Management advisors had been in place and should they mis-advise the Authority are they then in any way liable for this.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change confirmed that the Council commissioned in this service, though the work was re-tendered on a regular basis. She added however, that there were very few such expert advisors for this field of work in the open market supporting local authorities, as it was such a specialist area. She further added, that the company would be covered if they gave un-sound or bad advice to a local authority such as BCBC.

 

The Member followed-up, by asking if the Council benchmarked the advisors performance in any way.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change replied that when the Council put its specification out to tender, it would ask for certain specialist information to be provided by the companies, so it could gauge and compare their expertise as financial advisors when it came to considering the award of the Contract. Companies such as this had to prove to local authorities that both the level and standard of advice meets the high level that is required. If this was not forthcoming, then the Council could challenge the advisor. She added that the current advisors had always given sound advice to date.

 

A Member asked if training could be given on the subject of Treasury management and borrowing/lending etc, for the benefit of new Members of the Authority.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change advised that this had been given to Governance and Audit Committee members as part of the Council’s initial Member Development Programme, though it was scheduled to also be rolled out to all Councillors in the new year.

 

A Member asked the Cabinet Member – Resources how much interest the Council pays out per month or annually and conversely, how much it receives.

 

The Cabinet Member – Resources confirmed that he would provide this information outside of the meeting.

 

The Leader referred Members to Table 8 on page 24 of the report which gave details regarding interest expenditure and receipts, but he stressed this was at the time of the writing of the report and that these figures would probably change almost daily given the present economic climate. 

 

RESOLVED:                                   That Council noted it’s treasury management activities for 2022-23 for the period 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 and the projected Treasury Management Indicators for 2022-23.

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change presented a report, in order to seek Council approval for the estimated Council Tax base and Collection rate for 2023-24

 

She advised that the Council Tax base determined the amount of Council tax which can be raised to fund the Council’s budget.

 

The Council tax base must be set by 31 December for the following financial year and it is used by Welsh Government to allocate the Revenue Support Grant for the coming financial year, as well as for the Council to calculate the Council Tax required to fund the budget for the year 2023/23.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change, confirmed that the base represented the number of chargeable dwellings in the area expressed as Band D properties. This also took account of properties that BCBC think will come onto the rating list in the coming year.

 

In the report BCBC also proposed a collection rate of 97.5% for next year. This was the same rate as the current year and it is not the intention to increase this in any way, due to the current challenging economic circumstances globally, the cost of living crisis and the current collection rates.

 

A Member asked how the Council Tax Base differed this year from the previous year.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change confirmed that the difference was based upon anticipated new properties that would come onto the register in the coming year.

 

Regarding this the Council had to make assumptions on not only what was coming onto the register, but when they would come on the rating list. Also, what had to be taken into account, was the number of residents in these properties that would have some sort of reduction and/or some level of  financial support. This was to a level of degree therefore all estimated.

 

A Member noted that the collection rate last year had been based at 98.5%. This year the level of collection rate had been set at 97.5%. He asked if this rate was achievable given the current economic climate with increased mortgage rates and an increase to utility bills etc.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change advised that collection rates had increased since the inception of Covid-19 and this trend was continuing. Therefore, a rate of 97.5% was considered both reasonable and achievable.

 

The Cabinet Member – Resources reminded Members that people who were struggling with paying their Council Tax could be eligible to receive a reduction under the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

 

RESOLVED:                                 That Council:

 

•           Approved the Council Tax base and collection rate for 2023-24 as shown in paragraph 4.1 of the report.

•           Further approved the tax bases for the town and community areas set out in Appendix A of the report.

The Chief Officer Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy, reported on the Information Report which had been published since the last meeting of Council.

 

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

The Head of Operations, Community Services presented a report providing an update on the Valleys Regional Park (VRP) and seeking approval, following a request from the VRP board, that Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) continues in its role as host of the VRP to the end of the 2023/24 financial year. The report was also seeking approval to accept a grant offer of £265,000 from Welsh Government (WG) for funding VRP for the remaining 9 months of the 2023/24 financial year following the end of the current European Social Fund (ESF) funding in June 2023.

 

The Head of Operations, Community Services outlined the vision and purpose of the VRP undertaking and the steps that had resulted in Bridgend acting as the host authority for the delivery team for the Valleys Regional Park and how that has been funded in the main by the European Social Fund due to end this June. Discussions had taken place with the Board for the VRP and with the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sports and a grant offer was forthcoming of £265,000. This would cover the costs through to the end of the current financial year and would provide a basis for planning and looking at a longer term approach, so that hopefully the VRP or equivalent could bring benefit to these areas in the long term and assuring a continuation right away.

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration said that it was pleasing that the grant offer was forthcoming to continue this work. She asked what would happen after this financial year. The Head of Operations, Community Services replied that as in the report, work would be carried out to seek funding for the administration of the VRP going forward to secure the future for VRP or something equivalent.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities referred to point 4.3 of the report and asked for confirmation that the final bullet point, “Development of a viable business plan to secure sustainable funding for VRP by the 31 March 2029” should read through to 31 March 2029. The Head of Operations, Community Services explained that the objective was to have a self- sustaining initiative by that point in time.

 

The Deputy Leader asked if staff were available to run this? The Head of Operations, Community Services replied that there were staff in place, some of whom were on secondment from WG so it was a case of continuing with the arrangements in place. 

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet:

 

1. Noted progress to date in developing the VRP.

2 Approved the request from the VRP Board that BCBC continue in its role as host of the VRP to the end of the 2023/24 financial year.

3 Delegated authority to the Corporate Director Communities, in consultation with the Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change and the Chief Officer - Legal and Regulatory Services, to approve the final terms of the grant offer, accept the offer of funding from Welsh Government and to enter into any appropriate funding and legal agreements necessary to fulfil the role as host the VRP delivery team.

The Head of Operations, Community Services presented a report seeking Cabinet approval to formally enter into public consultation on the potential closure of three Community Recycling Centres (CRC) for one day a week and for Cabinet to note that the outcome of the consultation would be reported to Cabinet in due course. He explained that questions for the consultation were being prepared and the consultation would begin in April and last for 12 weeks. Costs for the consultation would be met from the existing budgets.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities explained that as part of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2023-24 to 2026-27, approved by Council on the 1 March 2023, a Budget Reduction Proposal of £50,000 was included in relation to the Waste Services budget. In order to achieve these savings, it would be necessary to close each CRC for one weekday per week. This consultation would inform discussions with the current provider in terms of the most appropriate days. He added that implementation would be later in the year so it would be a struggle to achieve the £50,000 saving in the first year.

 

The Deputy Leader asked for details of where the three sites were and the cost of Pyle CRC not opening because of the delay with the licence from NRW.    

 

The Head of Operations, Community Services explained that the community recycling centres were in Brynmenyn, Maesteg and Tythegston.  The position with Pyle CRC was frustrating. They were going through a long-winded process with the current contractor and National Resources Wales (NRW) to obtain the license that was necessary to be able to operate at that site. Small technicalities had prevented it from opening to date, and the process was continuing. He did not have details of the costs to hand but would provide details following the meeting. The biggest impact was that they were still having to pay for the rental of the Tythegston site because that was not owned by the Council.

 

The Leader agreed that it was disappointing that they were still waiting for the license from NRW and he would be writing again to NRW because apart from the license, the site was ready to be opened. With regard to the consultation, it was important for the public to know that weekends would not be selected because of how busy the CRCs were on a weekend. Current thinking was that CRCs would close on different days of the week, so seven days of the week, at least two of the CRCs would be open and for most of the days, all three would be open.

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet gave approval to commence a public consultation on the proposal to close each CRC one day per week.

Cabinet noted that the outcome of the consultation would be reported to Cabinet in due course.

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change and Section 151 Officer presented a report seeking Cabinet approval for a Council Tax Discretionary Relief Policy, in line with powers set out in Section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as inserted by Section 10 of the Local Government Finance Act 2012). Cabinet was also asked to approve an amendment to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation of Functions to enable applications to be dealt with in a swift and timely manner.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change explained that the billing authority had discretionary powers to reduce Council tax liability where national discounts and exemptions could not be applied. The Council did not currently have an agreed policy and the objective of this policy was to offer financial assistance to Council taxpayers who were experiencing exceptional financial hardship.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change outlined the proposed policy, the three categories of eligibility and how the applications would be determined and the appeal process.

 

The Cabinet Member for Resources thanked the Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change for the report. He confirmed that use of the policy would be in exceptional circumstances only and it would provide a means to assist the applicant for a short period.

 

RESOLVED:         Cabinet:

a) approved the proposed Council Tax Discretionary Relief Policy at Appendix A;

b) approved a change to the Scheme of Delegation of Functions, as set out in paragraph 4.3.

The Head of Education and Family Support presented a report seeking approval from Cabinet for the appointment of local authority governors to the school governing bodies listed at paragraph 4.1 of the report. She explained that for the six current local authority governor vacancies at the six schools, all applicants met the approved criteria for appointment as a local authority governor and there was no competition for these vacancies.

 

The Cabinet Member for Education thanked the applicants that had put their names forward for this important task and encouraged Members and the public to apply for one of the many vacancies. 

 

The Deputy Leader encouraged colleagues to become school governors as it was a very rewarding role. 

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet approved the appointments detailed at paragraph 4.1 of the report.

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing presented a report seeking Cabinet approval of the Medication Policy as required under the Registration and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (RISCA). She explained that this was an important policy in terms of regulated social care services and that the policy covered all of the regulated care services that were provided as a Council such as residential care homes for children and for adults. The policy had been subject to significant engagement with colleagues in the NHS and pharmacists who were obviously experts in the field of medication.

 

The Deputy Leader noted that this was a risky undertaking carried out by the lowest paid members of staff and this was an area of concern. This would protect their wellbeing and safety and the Council. She added that all costs would be met from existing budgets.

 

The Leader was happy to see the involvement of the specialists in this field in developing and implementing the policy.

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration asked who had been consulted in the development of the policy. The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing replied that development of the policy had been led by the Social Care Workforce Development Team and pharmacy professionals, the workforce, Trade Unions and registered managers. 

 

The Leader referred to the scope of the policy and services they had responsibility for that were not regulated such as special schools. The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing replied that in terms of special schools, they would have their own policies in terms of medication.

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet approved the Medication Policy for    implementation across Regulated Services within Bridgend County Borough Council.

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing presented to Cabinet the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) report of their improvement check visit to Bridgend County Borough Council Children’s Services during November 2022 and recommended that Cabinet consider the report and comments on the associated updated Action Plan.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing provided the background to the visit and explained that the improvement check focused on the progress made in the areas identified for improvement during the

Performance Evaluation Inspection in May 2022. She explained that by and large the improvement check showed positive progress in terms of those priorities set, in that the majority of areas identified, either showed significant improvement or some improvement and a number of areas that required further action, as a consequence of that. She advised that the authority still required improvement, in terms of its children’s social care, given that the plan that was approved was a three-year improvement plan. CIW identified improved practice in terms of hearing, and acting on the voice of the child, within practice and within case files and also continued to note that the workforce felt well supported in terms of their work. They also recognised significant strength in terms of partnership working and corporate support to children's social care and that this required a whole Council approach. 

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing highlighted two particular areas of concern. One was the ongoing fragility of the social care workforce where significant efforts had been made and continued to be made to retain and recruit a high quality, well supported, motivated children's social care workforce. The second area in need of urgent improvement was around criminal exploitation and practice in this area. Further reports would be submitted to Cabinet around this work. She added that a stocktake of progress against the 3-year strategic plan would take place over the spring and summer of 2023 and a refreshed plan would be brought to Cabinet in September 2023.

 

The Deputy Leader thanked staff as it would not have been possible to achieve this without the dedication of staff, including agency staff.

 

The Leader echoed these comments and thanked the staff for working incredibly hard. The case load was high, and staff had risen to the challenge.  CIW identified areas for improvement but also many strengths in all areas. He also thanked colleagues across the Chamber including Group Leaders and the Chair of the Scrutiny Committee. He asked about one particular area that had been identified for improvement, the work being done by the Youth Emotional Wellbeing Team. He noted that some improvements had been made and the waiting list had shortened significantly. This action was not the sole responsibility of the authority and he asked if this was reflected in the progress reports they received.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing replied that that action should have been explicitly referenced in the action plan in terms of emotional health and well-being. There were a range of actions underway and the Health Board had received some significant resource and investment to support all schools across the Cwm Taff Morgannwg footprint to implement the Nest Framework which was a whole school approach to emotional health and well-being. A very close eye was kept in terms of any waiting list for those services. It was a recommendation for the authority in conjunction with the Health Board around that work with CAMHS, making sure that children and young people had timely access when they needed it.

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration said that it was pleasing to see that some progress had been made and asked if any recommendations had been made by the Scrutiny Committee and if so, had those recommendations been implemented. She also asked what improvements had been made regarding management oversight as noted in the report and if the Director could evidence how staff were being supported. 

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing replied that the recommendations from Scrutiny had only recently been received and they would be reporting back to scrutiny in a timely manner. The first recommendation was regarding the financial strategy for children's social care as they had been in an overspend position throughout the year. They clearly needed to work very closely as one Council to make sure there was a financial strategy which supported the service to deliver statutory duties within the budget. At the moment it struggled to do that in because of the caseloads they were working with. The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing outlined the remaining recommendations and provided an update on each one. In terms of management oversite, Cabinet had approved a new supervision policy across social services and wellbeing, and this was fundamental as evidenced by CIW. With regard to supporting staff, the Social Work Support Officer had started from 1^st April and would be key in supporting social workers to do their social work. An extensive wellbeing offer including trauma informed support, was also available to staff. 

 

The Cabinet Member for Resources referred to the action plan and asked the Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing to provide further information regarding the BRAG rating system. He asked how far the one point was into red and if progress was being made turning the red into green. He asked when the next progress report would be submitted and if anything was required from Cabinet to help them to achieve their aims.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing replied that she would ensure that action plans contained a key in future. She explained that blue meant complete, green meant they were on track to complete within the timescales, amber was work in progress where there were concerns around meeting timescales and red indicated they were not on track at the moment. The one indicator that was red was around workforce. Despite the challenges, the workforce remained positive however they were still very reliant on agency staff and this could impact on the quality of work when trying to embed a new model of social work practice. The international recruits were very welcome and would make a real difference over time. There had been some success with recruiting newly qualified workers, and they continued to recruit into management roles. They were recruiting more into the Grow Our Own scheme and that was a medium, longer-term solution to the challenges they faced. As a Council, continued corporate support and a whole Council approach would be critical to sustainability and a move to “good”.

 

The Deputy Leader referred to a mental health event that she had recently attended, and she read a poem written by a young person about CAMHS. To hear the poem, use the following link:

 

RESOLVED:         Cabinet considered the CIW report on the improvement check of Bridgend’s Children’s Social Care Services and commented on the associated updated Action Plan. Cabinet noted the development of a sustainability plan to most effectively meet the needs of children and families in Bridgend as set out in paragraph 4.15 of the report.

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing presented a report seeking Cabinet approval of the revised Social Services Complaints Policy (Appendix 1 to the report). The policy had been developed in accordance with legislation and statutory guidance around social services complaints.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing explained that it clarified the relationship between the Social Services Complaints Policy and the procedures which underpinned it and other processes and procedures that were operated by the Council. She added that Cabinet received an Annual Social Services Complaints report which set out performance around complaints and lessons learned from issues and representations raised.

 

The Deputy Leader explained that as part of the CIW inspection, they had to ensure that all policies were up to date and being managed appropriately and therefore these policies would be submitted to Cabinet regularly going forward.

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration asked why there was a separate policy for social services and why this area did not come under the Corporate Policy.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing explained BCBC was required to have a specific Social Services Complaints Policy because of the legislation and associated statutory guidance, as set out in detail within the covering report. She assured Cabinet that the two policies complemented each other in terms of the way that they worked, to ensure a representation or complaint was managed under the correct process.

 

The Deputy Leader stressed that they could not do anything with a complaint in social services if there were legal proceedings ongoing. They should make it clear, as Members, that they were following guidance and adhering to the Ombudsman and legal advice when doing this.  

 

The Cabinet Member for Future Generations asked how this policy interacted with the Vexatious Policy. The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing explained that this helped to highlight the zero tolerance of this Council in terms of abuse, around any member of staff. The policy framework in BCBC had policies which complemented each other and worked well alongside each other. The Complaints Officer was a statutory role and he/she would be very skilled at working with individuals to take some time to properly and rightly investigate a complaint. On occasion there would be matters which were vexatious and would constitute abuse of members of staff which had to be managed through the Vexatious Policy.

 

The Leader stressed that the authority would not tolerate abuse, aggression or violence towards staff and would not hesitate to contact and work with South Wales Police if required, to protect staff. 

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet approved the revised Social Services Complaints

Policy attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing presented a report seeking approval from Cabinet to implement a Care Home Fee-Setting Policy from 2023/24.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing outlined the purpose of the policy, the background and the current situation/proposal. She explained that they had commissioned the Institute of Public Care, following a fair, open and transparent procurement process, to support the authority to work independently with care homes and to develop the fee setting policy in Bridgend. IPC had also been commissioned nationally by the National Commission Board to support their work. The Care Home Fee-Setting Policy was included at appendix 1 to the report and it set out the approach, the context and background and how the fees were set for care homes within BCBC.

 

The Deputy Leader was pleased to note that the Policy was developed in conjunction with care home providers and reminded Cabinet that there were no further budget implications as a result of this policy and that they would continue to review the cost prices every year.  

 

The Leader stressed that the review that formed the basis of this was undertaken by an independent organisation having undertaken a detailed cost of care analysis of the costs of care to the independent sector. He added that they were very open in sharing these costs. The review date was scheduled for March 2027, and he asked for confirmation that there would be trigger points for reviews during that time period. He also asked if the work undertaken was on a regional footprint and, with regard to the guidance provided by WG, if there were any further changes, the policy would be reviewed accordingly to reflect these.

 

The Corporate Director, Social Services and Wellbeing replied that the factors which drove the cost of care within the policy were set out within Table One of the report and there could be exceptional circumstances in relation to any of those particular drivers. She provided an example of a particular trigger, gas, electricity and water rates accounting for 5% of the weighting which could increase or decrease in future years resulting in a need to review the policy. She added that they would act accordingly because of the statutory duty about needing to understand the actual costs.

In terms of the regional position in Bridgend, BCBC were part of the Cwm Taff Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board and the Regional Safeguarding Board and both of these statutory regional partnerships had a key interest in terms of the care home sector. A market stability report was approved by Cabinet in July 2021, along with all other Councils and the Health Board, which set out the state of the care home market and the commission priorities which they could work on together. The statutory guidance went back to 2010 and that set out what was required to understand the costs of care. BCBC had decided, in making this recommendation, to adopt good practice about how to set a care home fee policy, but it may be more mandated in future years.

 

The Leader noted that one of the requirements was around the payment of at least the real living wage to social care staff. There was additional funding that had been made available and Bridgend was one of the first local authorities to adopt that approach.

 

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approved the implementation of the Care Home Fee Setting Policy, to take effect from the end of April 2023.

None

RESOLVED:       That the Minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet dated 22 February 2023 and 14 March 2023, be approved as a true and accurate record.

Cllr H Williams declared a prejudicial interest in item 4, Care Home Fee Setting Policy as he had a close relative in a care home within the County Borough. Cllr Williams left the meeting when this item was considered.   

 

Cllr J Spanswick declared a prejudicial interest in item 6, Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Improvement Check Visit to Childrens Social Care Services 21 - 24 November 2022 and left the meeting when this item was considered. 

 

Cllr JP Blundell declared a personal interest in item 8, Appointment of Local Authority Governors as he was a member of the Governing Body that they were appointing a governor too.

 

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

 

•           detail the outcome of the options appraisal process for the delivery of a Welsh-medium seedling school and childcare provision for the Porthcawl area; and

•           seek approval to consult on a proposal to establish a Welsh-medium seedling school and childcare provision for the Porthcawl area on land at the Porthcawl Primary School site.

 

By way of background, he advised that in March 2018, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance made available £30m across Wales for projects dedicated to supporting and growing the use of the Welsh language in education. This funding would assist the delivery of Welsh Government’s ongoing commitment to achieve a million Welsh speakers by 2050.

 

A childcare sufficiency audit of settings within Bridgend had identified gaps in this vital provision. These gaps, together with a lack of Welsh-medium childcare, resulted in a decision being taken to centre Bridgend’s proposals on Welsh-medium sessional, child and wraparound care.

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support confirmed that Porthcawl was identified as one of the four key locations that would benefit from Welsh-medium childcare provision. It was considered that such facilities at these strategic locations would help support transition from childcare into Welsh-medium primary education. A successful funding bid was made to Welsh Government for such provision in certain areas of the County Borough, that included Porthcawl.

 

He proceeded by advising that, an options appraisal found that land on the existing Porthcawl Primary School site was the most suitable location to accommodate both a seedling school and childcare facility. To compensate for the land which will be used for the new facility, an all-weather pitch would be provided at Porthcawl Primary School.

 

The proposed seedling school is a ‘starter class’ with 30 full-time equivalent nursery places, and 30 Reception places, the Corporate Director – Education and Family Support explained.

 

It was planned that the seedling provision will be operated and governed by Ysgol y Ferch o’r Sg?r, and pupils would transition to that school at Year 1 to conclude their primary education; that is until a Welsh-medium primary school is established in Porthcawl as part of a future band of the school modernisation programme, which Cabinet previously approved in principle.

 

The proposed childcare facility will have capacity for 16 full-time (32 part-time) childcare places, together with 6 places for 0 to 2 provision offering full care from potentially birth to four years old. This included afterschool and holiday provision, to offer full wrap-around care via the medium of Welsh. It was planned that this facility will be operated by a private provider.

 

Porthcawl was previously identified as a key location that would benefit from Welsh-medium childcare provision. It was considered that such facilities would help support transition from childcare into Welsh-medium primary school education.

 

It was currently estimated that if the proposal progresses to completion, the new provision will open in January 2025.

 

The Cabinet Member – Education stated that it was really pleasing that this extremely exciting proposal was continuing to take steps forward. There is a strong Welsh language presence in Porthcawl, and this new seedling school will continue to reinforce the importance of the Welsh language in the County Borough as a whole. 

 

He added that the proposal will have a positive impact on the amount of young people studying a Welsh-medium education in the area and crucially will also help to strengthen transition links.

 

The Cabinet Member – Regeneration asked if there would be car parking available at the school, to which the Corporate Director – Education and Family Support responded that a Full Transport Assessment would be undertaken in order to put in place that which was deemed suitable to minimise the impact of the development.

 

The Cabinet Member – Communities was pleased to see that an all-weather pitch would be provided at the school and hoped that this could be used by the wider community out of school time as well as for pupils there.

 

In response to a further question, the Corporate Director – Education and Family Support, confirmed that the new school would be targeting net zero carbon, in line with the Council’s Carbon Neutral agenda.

 

The Leader concluded that there would also be a childcare facility at the school, which was pleasing to note.

 

RESOLVED:                          That Cabinet gave permission to consult on a proposal to establish a Welsh-Medium Seedling school and childcare provision for the Porthcawl area on land at the Porthcawl Primary School site.

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support presented a report, the purpose of which, was to seek approval from Cabinet for the appointment of the local authority governor to the school governing body listed at paragraph 4.1 (of the report).

 

He stated that in accordance with the Council’s ‘Guidance on the appointment of local education authority governors’ approved by Cabinet on 14 October 2008, officers considered applications received for the current vacancy for the local authority governor position on the governing body of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr.

 

There was competition for the vacancy and the two applicants were detailed in the table in the report.

 

The Corporate Director – Education and Family Support confirmed, that having given due regard to the strengths presented in the applications from both applicants, officers determined that the recommended appointment be Mr Ben Morgan.

 

The Cabinet Member – Education alerted Members and Officers to the fact that there were still a considerable number of School Governor vacancies as detailed in Appendix A to the report that required filling, so he asked them to share this fact with anyone who may be interested in becoming a governor at any of the schools where such vacancies existed.

 

RESOLVED:                                     That Cabinet approved the appointment  detailed at paragraph 4.3 of the report.

The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing submitted a report, that provided Cabinet with details of the updated Fostering Allowances Policy.

 

She advised that in March 2022 Bridgend County Borough Council’s Fostering Services brought their new Fostering Financial Policy to Cabinet for approval, with approval also sought to delegate authority to the Head of Children’s Social Care to implement the new policy.

 

During the implementation phase of the policy an administrative error was identified as reflected in paragraph 3.2 relating to Fostering Allowances. These discrepancies were highlighted in yellow in this section of the report.

 

The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing explained, that despite the above, no Foster Carer received an erroneous amount and the Policy was amended to include the correct financial information as set out in the report.

 

She proceeded to advise, that in July 2022 the Fostering Financial Policy was further updated to change the rates of allowance (following agreement at Cabinet) to award a 7% increase to the allowances paid to all Bridgend Foster Carers (which would be backdated to April 2022 and apply to the 2022/23 financial year) and the introduction of 2 weeks paid respite for all Foster Wales Bridgend Foster Carers.

 

Finally, the Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing stated that the 7% increase to Foster Care Allowances agreed by Cabinet in July 2022 has now been paid to Foster Carers, adding that the administrative error in the Policy was amended during the implementation period.

 

The Deputy Leader confirmed that Fostering in Bridgend was of a very high standard and she was really pleased to say that ‘Becky and Pete’ Foster Carers, had recently won an Excellence Award earlier this year.

 

She added that with an increase in Looked After Children, we needed more foster carers to come forward to support these young people.

 

The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing added that there had been an interest in the form of enquiries for foster caring, following a recent successful advertising campaign.

 

RESOLVED:                              (1)      That Cabinet noted that the error in the Fostering Allowances Policy as set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report was amended and has been implemented.

 

                                                   (2) That Cabinet further noted that the    Policy has been further amended for 2022/23 to include the 7% increase to Foster Care Allowances agreed by Cabinet in July 2022.

The Corporate Director – Communities presented a report, the purpose of which, was to seek Cabinet approval of the Bridgend County Borough Council Destination Management Plan, 2022-2027 and approve the implementation of the resulting actions.

 

She explained that a Destination Management Plan (DMP), is a statement of intent to manage a destination in the interests of tourism, over a specified period, setting out the ways in which different stakeholders may work together to achieve a positive impact. The new DMP is a shared statement of intent to manage Bridgend County Borough as a successful visitor destination between 2022 and 2027.

 

BCBC to this end, will work in partnership with Visit Wales, regional entities such as Cardiff Capital Region and the Valleys Regional Park, neighbouring authorities, and key stakeholders such as town and community councils, accommodation providers, tourist attractions, activity providers and other local businesses that support the visitor economy.

 

The Corporate Director – Communities confirmed, that since the last DMP was produced, significant change has taken place at global, national and local levels, with the Covid-19 pandemic, the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union and rises in the cost of living. All of these have had implications for the tourism and hospitality industries. Whilst much has changed, there is also much potential for the future.

 

BCBC has identified tourism as part of its foundational economy with a recovery response that includes additional funding streams, public amenity projects, infrastructure upgrades and support for the accommodation sector.

 

The Bridgend County Borough Council Destination Management Plan, 2022-2027, was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. If adopted by Cabinet, this was intended to set the framework for supporting the delivery of the tourism vision to 2027.

 

The Corporate Director – Communities stated that actions contained within the Destination Action Plan, have been developed to propose the most efficient use of resources, focus on key strategic opportunities for development, maximise external funding opportunities and where possible deliver in partnership. It would focus action upon the priorities listed in paragraph 4.5 of the report.

 

The goals of the Destination Management Plan, were to:

 

- create economic growth that delivers benefits to people and places;

- promote environmental sustainability;

- provide social and cultural enrichment for residents and visitors alike;

- incorporate health benefits (for example through promoting active travel,   physical activity or mental wellbeing associated with experiencing the natural environment.)

 

The delivery of actions in relation to tourism will focus on maximising areas and opportunities that present greatest impact for the County Borough and utilising a range of external funding opportunities as and when they become available and this would involve partnership working. This would in turn, assist in the achievement and implementation of the the actions outlined in Appendix 1 and the successful promotion of  BCB as a coherent destination.

 

The Cabinet Member – Regeneration stressed the importance of having a Plan such as this in place, in order to shape, promote and encourage tourism within the County Borough.

 

The Cabinet Member – Communities added that BCB had a great natural environment, particularly within the three main valley areas, of Ogmore, Garw and Maesteg. He felt it would be beneficial if in the emerging Corporate Plan performance indicators were included in there, in order to gauge the targets we were setting ourselves are met in terms of tourism.

 

The Leader concluded by stating that pre-pandemic tourism brought over a third of a billion spend into the BCB economy and protected over 4,000 jobs, but obviously this was then hit hard by lockdown. The industry was now reviving he was pleased to add. He was encouraged particularly, by the growing number of visitors to Bryngarw Park where the Council received funding in order to improve this facility. Similarly, Rest Bay was also high on the visitors list where we previously received European funding for improvements such as the water sports facility and more money would be committed to Porthcawl as part of its continued Regeneration Programme, he added.

 

RESOLVED:                                    That Cabinet:

 

(1)      Approved the Bridgend County Borough Council Destination Management Plan, 2022-2027;

 

(2)        Delegated authority to the Corporate Director - Communities to implement the Destination Action Plan contained within Appendix 1 of the report.

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change, submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to seek approval from Cabinet to modify an existing contract in line with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs), in order to allow for the continuation of housing related support services on Coity Road.

 

The Head of Partnership Services advised Cabinet, that following a procurement exercise in 2018, Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) currently has a contract in place with the Wallich, for the delivery of three housing related support projects located on Coity Road, Bridgend.

 

The contract BCBC has in place with the Wallich commenced on 1 April 2018 and expired on 31 March 2023. An option to extend the contract for a period of up to 24 months has been exercised with there being then no further option to extend.

 

He added that the current annual contract value was £358,170 and this was funded by BCBC’s Housing Support Grant. The total value of the contract was £1,790,850.

 

The Head of Partnership Services reiterated, that with the current contract in place with the Wallich due to expire on 31 March 2023, in line with BCBC’s Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs) a procurement exercise was required to ensure continued service provision on an ongoing basis.

 

On 1 December 2022 the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 came into force and a future report to Cabinet will outline the wider implications of the Act, but it is clear there will be implications for providers of temporary and supported accommodation. Some of these were explained in the report.

 

It was proposed that the procurement process which will be required to secure continued provision on an ongoing basis, be delayed and the current contract in place with the Wallich be extended, whilst the implications of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, were fully understood.

 

The concern of a procurement process beginning now, in order to secure a new contract by the 1 April 2023, was that detail set out in a Service Specification at this stage could quickly become out of date by potential Welsh Government changes. In addition, explained the Head of Partnership Services, there would likely be greater interest in a tender process from prospective providers once the implications of the Act were fully understood. 

 

He concluded the report by advising, that if Cabinet approves the proposed modification of the existing contract, a procurement process will be undertaken in line with BCBC’s CPRs, in order to secure a new contract with a start date of 1 October 2023. To allow for a full procurement exercise to be undertaken including mobilisation of a new contract and consideration of TUPE, the process would begin around March 2023.

 

In terms of the report’s financial implications, the Head of Partnership Services confirmed that the cost of the contract modification detailed at paragraph 4.9 of the report, was within 10% of the current overall contract value. The cost of the modification would be funded by BCBC’s Housing Support Grant.

 

The Cabinet Member – Future Generations stressed the importance in BCBC understanding how the Act will change the current systems in place and the impact this will have on the sector, as there were unprecedented pressures with cases of homeless people. He hoped that we would have a procurement process in time, which ensures we have the best value for money in terms of support and an equal service to that which supports residents currently. He also commended the work of the Wallich in the support of the homeless.

 

The Leader asked if the Council could write to the Minister for Climate Change who is also responsible for Housing, in order to encourage Welsh Government to make any such policy changes as quickly as possible, so that we can progress the commissioning of the service in the not too distant future.

 

He also suggested that the three new local Ward Members be briefed on this issue, in order that they are able to understand the services being provided locally, as well as being aware of the support mechanisms that are in place.

 

RESOLVED:                                   That Cabinet approved a modification in the form of a 6 month extension of the Contract BCBC has in place with the Wallich for the delivery of Housing Related Support Services on Coity Road.   

The Head of Partnership Services submitted a report,  to highlight the changes made to Welsh Government homelessness legislation in respect of the new Priority Need category and to seek Cabinet approval in respect of applying the ‘intentionality test’ to that new category.

 

In accordance with legislation, he advised that the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 (The Act), places a duty on the Council to assist those who are threatened with homelessness within 56 days by taking all reasonable steps to prevent/relieve homelessness. The duty to prevent homelessness under the Act is irrespective of whether the applicant has a local connection to Bridgend or whether the applicant is intentionally homeless. Those that make a homeless application, but have no local connection, receive advice and assistance only from the Council unless, for example, they are fleeing violence/domestic abuse.

 

The Head of Partnership Services confirmed, that in the event that homelessness prevention was not successful, there was a duty to relieve the applicant’s homelessness and to take all ‘reasonable steps’ to do so.

 

The Act also introduced changes in respect of how to apply the ‘intentionality test’. Welsh Government removed the intentionality test for all families with children even if they are found to be intentionally homeless. There was a caveat to this he advised, in that it would only apply if they have not been found intentionally homeless in the last 5 years. The definition of intentionally homeless was outlined in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

 

Paragraph 3.6 of the report listed the different categories of what the Council considered as homeless under set criteria covered by legislation and/or agreed by Cabinet at a previous meeting.

 

The Head of Partnership Services further added that the Act also specified 10 categories of households who were to be considered priority need.  Priority Need is considered for the provision of temporary accommodation and the final homeless duty to secure permanent accommodation.

 

At the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Welsh Government (WG) introduced an ‘All In’ approach to homelessness and directed local authorities that no-one was to be without accommodation due to the public health imperative making everyone Priority Need. Therefore, the intentionality test was suspended to respond to the emergency situation at the time leading to greater numbers being provided with temporary accommodation in hotels, Air B+B’s etc.

 

Whilst some households will not be considered to fall within a priority need group, they will still receive the same level of support albeit they will not be eligible for temporary accommodation.

 

The current changes implemented by WG have been made with a view to them reviewing the entire Act in the future and therefore it is proposed that the Council apply the intentionality definition to the new category of households ‘Street Homeless’ until such time as this takes place.

 

The Cabinet Member – Future Generations confirmed that even if individuals looked to become intentionally homeless, the Council with its partners, would still look after them and try to persuade them to secure some form of accommodation. This was not easy however, as some homeless people did not wish to be placed in accommodation. This situation was compounded by the fact that some of these people had very complex health issues/needs.

 

The Head of Partnerships confirmed that temporary accommodation was available for those on the streets and regular meetings were held with key stakeholders to ensure that those sleeping rough had somewhere to go, particularly in the weather we are now experiencing. There was also assistance from the Rough Sleepers Intervention Team to this end.

 

The Cabinet Member – Future Generations advised  that anyone who had concerns regarding rough sleepers, could report these cases to StreetLink.

 

The Leader concluded the debate on this item, by reminding those present that 98.7% of people in society did not wish to make themselves intentionally homeless.   

 

RESOLVED:                          That Cabinet approved that the Council applies the ‘intentionality test’ to the new category of households ‘Street Homeless’ and publishes its intent to do so in accordance with Welsh Government direction.

The Corporate Director – Communities presented a report, to seek Cabinet approval to formally adopt the Bridgend 2030 Net Zero Carbon Strategy.  The report recommends that the strategy should be adopted and the action plans detailed in it implemented, so that Bridgend Council can achieve net zero status by 2030.

 

By way of background, the report advised that in October 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) produced a report on the state of global warming. The report identified that a continued warming of global temperatures will significantly increase the likelihood and resulting impact of floods, droughts and extreme heat.

 

Welsh Government then declared a Climate Emergency in April 2019 and  following this, the Welsh Government has now committed to achieving a carbon neutral public sector by 2030.

 

The Corporate Director – Communities reminded Cabinet, that in June 2020 Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) Cabinet approved a report that set out the crucial roles that BCBC has to play through the management of its own resources and assets and the way in which it works with and supports local residents, organisations and businesses to respond to the challenges set out in the IPCC report.

 

A target for Local Authorities in Wales to be net-zero carbon by 2030, is an ambition set by Welsh Government. In response, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) with local government Leaders established a Decarbonisation Strategy Panel, supported by all 22 local authorities, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Cardiff University.

 

Following appointment of the Carbon Trust to work with BCBC on the development of a Bridgend 2030 Net Zero Carbon Strategy, Officers had undertaken a number of proactive activities and these were listed in paragraph 3.8 of the report.

 

The final version of the Bridgend 2030 Net Zero Carbon Strategy was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. This had been developed following an in-depth review of data in line with the Welsh Public Sector Net Zero Carbon Reporting Guide and through engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Importantly, the Strategy will not be the only driver for net zero, as it would be a part of the Council’s Corporate Plan, whilst policies, strategies and ongoing plans will all need to reflect the commitment to net zero. This will ensure it is fully embraced across the organisation.

 

The Corporate Director – Communities confirmed that public consultation on the 2030 Net Zero Carbon Strategy was undertaken over a twelve-week period from 8 June to 30 August 2022. The consultation received a total of 360 online survey completions, with a further 35 face to face engagement completions. The consultation report was included at Appendix 2 to the report.

 

Analysis of the responses received, showed that the majority of respondents are in support of the draft Bridgend 2030 Net Carbon Zero Strategy and the priorities contained within this.

 

The Carbon Leads for taking forward the delivery of the Bridgend 2030 Net Zero Carbon Strategy were:

 

o          Carbon Management – Group Manager - Economy, Natural Resources and Sustainability

o          Waste – Head of Operations - Community Services

o          Transport – Group Manager - Highways and Green Spaces

o          Buildings – Group Manager - Corporate Landlord

o          Land Use – Climate Change Response Manager

o          Procurement – Corporate Procurement Manager

 

The Corporate Director – Communities concluded the report, by highlighting some financial implications of the Strategy which were elaborated upon in paragraph 8 of the report, which were significant.

 

The Leader advised that this was one of the most important Strategies that the Council was required to implement, so as to deliver upon the Climate Emergency.

 

The Cabinet Member – Communities stated that paragraph 4.5 of the report listed the Officers in the Communities Directorate that were required to lead on the different aspects of the Strategy, however, he added that there should also be a lead Officer for the Climate Change Agenda in each of the other Directorates, as there needed to be a Council wide approach to deliver this as a ‘One Council’ Corporate Priority. He added that he had some concerns around the cost of the project and hoped that Welsh Government would be able to assist local authorities financially, in order to successfully deliver the Strategy in its entirety.

 

The Cabinet Member – Education asked if consideration could be given to having a standard paragraph in the report template for all Committee reports, outlining how such reports affected (if at all) the Carbon Reduction Agenda.

 

The Monitoring Officer confirmed that this could be looked at in conjunction with the Committee report template review that was currently work in progress. It was hoped to submit a report to Council in February, outlining some adjustments to the report template.

 

The Deputy Leader asked if the review could also include having an Executive Summary as a paragraph in longer and more complex, detailed reports, to which the Monitoring Officer replied that this could be looked at also.

 

The Cabinet Member – Resources finally advised that he was pleased to confirm, that in the Welsh Government settlement that had been announced today, it was confirmed that a sizeable proportion of Capital spending was intended to be committed to Carbon Reduction across welsh local authorities.

 

RESOLVED:                               That Cabinet formally adopted the Bridgend 2030 Net Zero Carbon Strategy

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

 

•           seek approval from Cabinet to amend the lower financial threshold for obtaining three quotations for works, goods and services from £5,000 to £10,000 within the Contract Procedure Rules to take effect from 1st January 2023;

 

•           to recommend to Council an amendment to the Constitution to incorporate the revisions to the Contract Procedure Rules.

 

By way of background information, she confirmed that the Council is required to ensure the Contract Procedure Rules, which form part of the Council’s Constitution, are reflective of current market pressures and are fit for purpose.

 

The Contract Procedure Rules also contains the rules and guidelines for procuring goods, services and works. They are designed to ensure compliance with UK law, ensure best practice is followed and best value is achieved in the use of public funds.

 

Turning to the present situation, the Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy stated that in order to procure goods, services and works above £5,000 a service must obtain three quotes. This has proved to be unmanageable due to the volume of quotations across the Council, leading to delays on service delivery. There were several reasons for this which were outlined in the report, upon which she expanded.

 

The Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate policy explained that a benchmarking exercise had shown that an increase to £10,000 for obtaining three quotations is in line with neighbouring councils and it was proposed that BCBC follow suit with this.

 

 She referred Cabinet to a copy of the proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules to this effect, shown via tracked changes at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

The Cabinet Member – Resources commended the report which would bring BCBC in line with other neighbouring authorities in terms of the increase in threshold and allow us to better face inflationary pressures.

 

The Leader sought reassurance that there would still be an audit trail in respect to procurement decisions that would be made, despite the proposed change to the Contract Procedure Rules.

 

The Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy reassured Members that there was still a process to follow, ie obtaining three quotes which will be arranged by the Business Support Team and approved by Management.

 

In response to a further question, she advised that a progress report on the Contract procedure Rules would be brought back to Cabinet in 6 months time.

 

She finally also confirmed that there were a few neighbouring authorities that obtained three quotations for works estimated at £15,000 and even upward of that.

 

RESOLVED:                                   That Cabinet:

 

(i)            Approved the change to the lower financial threshold from £5,000 to £10,000 for obtaining three quotations within the Contract Procedure Rules as shown at Appendix 1 to the report, to take effect from 1st January 2023;

 

(ii)        Recommended to Council an amendment to the Constitution to incorporate the revisions to the Contract Procedure Rules.   

The Corporate Director – Communities submitted a report, in order to seek the approval of Cabinet to adopt a revised procedure when consulting with local members, individuals and organisations and when giving public notice related to permanent Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), in order to streamline the process going forward.

 

She explained that the Wales Transport Strategy 2021, published by the Welsh Government identified as one of its key priorities, to ‘change the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in built-up areas to reduce traffic related injuries and fatalities and make walking and cycling safer and more attractive’.

 

It was therefore proposed, that by enabling a much wider take up of 20mph limits, this would achieve significant road safety benefits, particularly in deprived neighbourhoods. In the longer term, reductions in the perception of road danger was expected to lead to more walking and cycling, which will improve public health and replace some short car journeys and assist   further reductions in collisions and casualties. More walking and cycling was also likely to lead to greater social cohesion, which brings further societal and health benefits. Lower speeds would also lead to reductions in traffic noise, while impacts on air quality will be neutral at worst and journey time increases will be slight.

 

The Corporate Director – Communities further explained, that as part of the new legislation, a 20mph Task Force was created to work closely with

Local Authorities to identify those roads which would be an exception to the

legislation.

 

Bridgend County Borough Council have identified over 100 exceptions, all of which will require Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s), either for the retention or amendments to speed limits. The deadline for the roll-out of the 20mph status for certain roads by Welsh Government was September next year

 

Outlined in paragraphs 4 of the report, was the consultation process generally to be undertaken prior to the statutory public notice stage and before a permanent TRO can be implemented. Dependent upon the size and scale of the TRO process, this may result in different engagement methods being undertaken, she explained. This section of the report also listed the statutory consultees the Council were required to engage with, that included local Members.

 

The remainder of the main body of the report went on to explain the legal process regarding the Council’s statutory obligations when proposing to make a TRO, together with the process that has to be followed if there are any objections or appeals to such a proposal(s).

 

The Corporate Director – Communities, then finally explained the report’s financial implications, ie that the costs for Authority sponsored Traffic Regulation Orders are either funded from within existing budgets, or from third parties. There were therefore no financial implications arising from the report’s proposals.

 

The Cabinet Member – Communities commended the report and advised that Welsh Government in the new year would be publicising proposals regarding the 20mph scheme so that members of the public are more aware of this intention.

 

The Leader added that the making or amending of a considerable number of TRO’s would give a significant amount of increased workload to Officers in both the Legal and Highways Directorates.

 

In response to a further query from the Deputy Leader, the Corporate Director – Communities, confirmed that a key consultee of a TRO was the Police, who would get the opportunity to agree or disagree with proposals that would be pursued by local authorities across Wales (including BCBC), as this was a National Scheme that would be applied subject to exceptions (ie roads that will not be subject to a 20mph speed restriction). Any contravention regarding speed limits on the highway network by drivers of vehicles, was of course she added, the responsibility of the Police to enforce.

 

RESOLVED:                                   That Cabinet:

 

(1)  Approved that the Consultation Procedure for Road Traffic Regulation Orders 2014, as set out in the Cabinet Report attached at Appendix 1, is amended as outlined at paragraph 4.5 (subject to the deletion of the words in brackets in the first sub-bullet point in paragraph 4.5.1 of the report) and that authority is delegated to the Corporate Director – Communities to make the necessary amendments.

 

(2)   Further approved, that all future traffic management and road safety proposals follow the amended procedure as set out in the report.   

None.

RESOLVED:                               That the minutes of a meeting of the Town and Community Council Forum dated 14 August 2022, be approved as a true and accurate record, subject to Councillor M Evans being added to the list of attendees who gave their apologies for absence at that meeting.

The Group Manager – Business Support presented a report, the purpose of which, was to provide Town & Community Councils with an outline of the process for a full Community Governance Review in Bridgend, to be implemented for the May 2027 Local Elections.

 

By way of some background information, he advised that the review and implementation of Bridgend Council’s ward boundaries and electoral arrangements by the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales (LD&BCW), were implemented for the May 2022 Local Elections.

 

The LD&BCW review also included some consequential changes in two Community Councils: Brackla Community Council and Porthcawl Town Council; and these were also implemented for the May 2022 Local Elections.

 

The Group Manager – Business Support added, that Council also undertook a review of the electoral arrangements in Coity Higher Community Council following a formal request from the Community Council, which was also implemented in time for the May 2022 Local Elections.

 

The last full Community Governance Review was finalised in 2009 and would normally follow a 10-year cycle. The delays to the completion of the Bridgend Electoral Review and the pandemic resulted in insufficient time to undertake a full review in time for the Local Elections in May 2022.

 

He explained that the key document that starts the Community Governance Review is called the Terms of Reference (ToR). The ToR sets out the proposed timetable and procedures for the review, provides guidance, and sets out the issues that will be considered during the review. It also allows the Council to ensure it is following a set procedure, takes into account appropriate considerations for the review, and allows interested parties to understand how to effectively engage in the review. It also provides the LD&BCW with information as to whether the Council has appropriately conducted the review under the terms of the Act. Further explanation of the ToR was detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

 

In terms of the electoral arrangements, the review provides the opportunity to consider the degree to which “electoral parity” is achieved across the communities in Bridgend, and across any wards that exist within a community. This is known as a council size policy, and it will consider:

 

     •      An approximate councillor allocation per electorate;

     •      Provision of an overall minimum and maximum number of community councillors for a community council. Historically the minimum number of councillors for a community council has been 7. The largest community council in Wales at present is 24. The maximum size may be dependent on the following factors:

 

•           The existing community council sizes;

•           The scale of the activity of the community councils;

•           The geography of the Council area; and

•           The population density of the Council area;

 

If amalgamation of two or more communities is recommended confirmed the  Group Manager – Business Support, then the existing community councils would be dissolved and a new separate community area would be established. In these circumstances it is usual for the community to be warded to reflect the boundaries of the former communities that have been amalgamated.

 

The process will take a minimum of 12 months to complete from the publication of the ToR, once it has been formally approved by the Council. The estimated date for the start of the consultation process is the 1 June 2023 and allows for at least 12 weeks consultation at both the initial investigation stage and the draft report stage.

 

The Group Manager – Business Support concluded his submission, by advising that the preliminary stage will publish the ToR and then invite initial submissions for the Council to consider in drafting recommendations for any changes to both boundaries and electoral administration. The draft recommendations would then be published, with a further consultation exercise being undertaken inviting further submissions. After consideration of any further submissions, the Council will publish the final recommendations and conclude the review. The final stage is the making of the Order to implement any changes to boundaries and electoral arrangements which will come into force for the May 2027 Local Elections.

 

A Member felt that there should be a push to try and get members of the public to show an interest in being a Town/Community Councillor, as even following last year’s elections, there were still a number of vacant positions on County Borough Town/Community Councils.

 

A Member felt that any review should be conducted within the relevant timescales outlined in the report and that the review should be adequately guided supported from an administrative perspective, by staff from the local authority.

 

The Group Manager – Business Support, confirmed that the process and its proposals would be examined more closely and intensely in due course as matters evolved, with the likes of key organisations such as, for example, the Boundary Commission and One Voice Wales. Other local authorities who have been involved previously in this process, could also be consulted he added.

 

In response to a further Members question, he confirmed that the ToR would include looking at the size of the different electorates and wards once more, as part of any review.

 

The Leader felt that a progress report should be submitted to the Forum at a future meeting and that it was important that the Clerks of all BCB’s Town/Community Councils are updated on this issue and aware of the possible outcomes arising from it.

 

RESOLVED:                                    That the report be noted.  

The Head of Operations - Community Services presented a report on the above item and, following a brief introduction, he referred to the Traffic Management and Parking Team Leader to give a presentation.

 

The Traffic Management and Parking Team Leader, confirmed that the Wales Transport Strategy 2021 published by Welsh Government, identified one of its key priorities to ‘change the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in built-up areas to reduce traffic related injuries and fatalities and make walking and cycling safer and more attractive’.

 

It was proposed by enabling a much wider take up of 20mph limits it will achieve significant road safety benefits, particularly in deprived neighbourhoods. In the longer term, reductions in the perception of road danger is expected to lead to more walking and cycling which will improve public health and replace some short car journeys, and so achieving further reductions in collisions and casualties. More walking and cycling is also likely to lead to greater social cohesion which brings further societal and health benefits. Furthermore, lower speeds will lead to reductions in traffic noise, while impacts on air quality will be neutral at worst and journey time increases will be slight.

 

He confirmed that, as part of the new legislation, a 20mph Task Force was created to work closely with local authorities to identify those roads which would be an exception to the legislation. The Authority provided local knowledge and traffic management expertise to help identify those roads which should be an exception to the legislation to help ensure limits throughout the borough are abided to and consequently that the legislation does not fall into disrepute.

 

As part of his presentation, the Traffic Management and Parking Team Leader advised, that from September 2023, a new default 20mph speed limit will apply to mostresidential and busy pedestrian streets with street lights in Wales.

 

Proposing to the reduction of default speed limits from 30mph to 20mph in these areas could see a number of benefits, including:

 

•       a reduction in road collisions

•       more opportunities to walk and cycle in our communities

•       helping to improve our health and wellbeing

•       making our streets safer

•       safeguarding the environment for future generations.

 

He confirmed that the above speed restrictions would be introduced by Welsh Government from 17 September 2023.

 

The Traffic Management and Parking Team Leader, confirmed that the introduction of pilot schemes identified issues in particular with a blanket introduction of the 20mph on all the restricted roads.

 

A petition submitted within months of the initial proposal, achieved 40,000 signatures suggesting such a blanket 20mph speed limit was inappropriate for all roads, and that there was a need to seek views of communities in relation to this in order to achieve feedback regarding this.

 

As a result of this consultation, some general exceptions were introduced and not allowed for A and B 30mph roads, if they were situate as follows:

 

Within 100 metres walk of any educational setting;

Within 100 metres walk of any community centre;

Within 100 metres walk of any hospital;

Where number of residential and/or retail premises fronting a road exceeds a defined density

 

Two main questions were therefore considered prior to considering whether a 30mph speed limit should be made in a given location, which were a) are there significant numbers (or potential numbers, if speeds were lower) of pedestrians and cyclists travelling along or across the road, and b) If the answer to this is ‘yes’, are the pedestrians and cyclists mixing with motor traffic.

 

With regards to Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions, the Traffic Management and Parking Team Leader, advised that terminal signs would be allowed at the start and end of the restricted road, however, repeater signs are not allowed within the same area / zone.

 

Furthermore, if maintaining 30mph on distributor roads, 30mph zones can have repeater signage. This would permit 20mph / 30mph signage at junctions off the distributor roads, potentially increasing driver awareness and road safety in the area, he added.

 

He further added that, 20mph temporary speed limits outside schools (on 30mph zones) would include illuminated gateways features.

 

The changes prior to implementation, would require a considerable amount of administrative support, advised the Traffic Management and Parking Team Leader, in relation to the making and/or amendment of Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO’s), for example:-

 

1. The revocation of existing TRO’s, completely or partially to ‘restricted road’ status;
2. The revocation of existing 20mph zones to ‘restricted road’ status;
3. New TRO’s for agreed exceptions;
4. New TRO’s for variable speed locations; and
5. New TRO’s for gateway features

 

In terms of the next steps of the process, the Traffic Management and Parking Team Leader,

 

As this included the end of the Officer’s presentation, the Leader asked Members if they had any questions of the Head of Operations – Community Services and/or the Traffic Management and Parking Team Leader.

 

There were a number of questions that were responded to by the Highways Officers, details of which can be found here

 

RESOLVED:                            That the report and accompanying    presentation be noted.

None.

RESOLVED:                         Members agreed to defer the approval of the minutes of a meeting of the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee dated 18 March 2022, to a future meeting, upon the advice of the Legal officer

There were no declarations of interest.

The Licensing Policy Officer presented a report, the purpose of which, was to determine an application received from Axa Trading Limited to vary the premises licence in force at Domino’s, Unit 1 Somerfield Site, Tremains Road, Bridgend, CF31 1TZ. 

 

She advised that the premises has the benefit of a premises licence; BCBCLP565 which authorises the following licensable activities during the hours stated:

 

-           Provision of Late Night Refreshment

            Monday to Sunday: 23:00 hours to 03:00 hours

 

A copy of the current premises licence was attached at Appendix A to the report.

 

The Licensing Policy Officer confirmed, that the Licensing Authority had received an application to vary the premises licence. The application was attached at Appendix B of the report.

 

Paragraph 4.2 of the report contained details of the variation of the application as submitted by the applicant.

 

She explained that the applicant details no additional measures to promote the licensing objectives and states in the application “these premises are already licensed with sufficient robust set of conditions which will remain on the premises licence after the modification of the conditions.”

 

The Licensing Authority had received one representation during the consultation period from a local resident. A copy of the representation can be found in Appendix C to the report.

 

As a relevant representation to the variation had been received, the Sub-Committee must determine the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003.

 

Finally, the Licensing Policy Officer asked all those present in the meeting to note, that additional information had been received from the applicant after the agenda and accompanying papers had been dispatched, which had been sent to all parties by email.

 

The applicant’s representative then gave a resume of the application as detailed in the report, following which Members asked a number of questions, to which he responded to.

 

Members then retired to consider the application further, following which the Sub-Committee,

 

RESOLVED:                        The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the application from Axa Trading Limited to vary a premises licence for Domino’s at unit 1 Somerfield Site, Bridgend, CF31 1TZ.

 

The application requested the following:

 

Description of the nature of the variation (as stated by applicant):

 

“Modify the following condition 1 under Annex 2, The Prevention of Public Nuisance:

 

•           The counter service open to the general public will only be available until 01:00 hours, Monday to Sunday. Thereafter, no public access will be permitted for Late Night Refreshment via the delivery service.

 

To read as follows:

 

•           The premises shall remain closed to the public between 01:00 to 03:00 hours expect to allow delivery service and for access to authorised persons.

 

Remove the following conditions under Annex 3:

 

•           No delivery vehicles will be mopeds

•           All drivers will have a label in their cars stating “do not slam car doors rev engines or play loud music”.

•           No more than 2 delivery vehicles will be used after 23:00 hours

 

All other terms and conditions of the premises licence are to stay the same; no other changes.”

 

The premises has the benefit of a premises licence; BCBCLP565 which authorises the following licensable activities during the hours stated:

 

Provision of Late-Night Refreshment

Monday to Sunday: 23:00 hours to 03:00 hours

The Licence was granted in 2011

 

The Sub Committee considered the report from the Licensing Officer.  The Appellant through their legal representation made representations to the Committee to include the following:-

 

1.         The objector in this matter has made continual complaints about the applicants over several years, always to the Council and never to the applicant. This amounted to harassment.   The Applicant investigates all complaints made against their businesses and they are a large business enterprise and if the complaints were made directly to them, then they would have investigated them without having to involve the Council.  

2.         The Environmental Health Department of the Council who are the responsible Authority who deals with noise nuisance have made no objections in relation to this application, so they do not have concerns about the same.

3.         The Police have made no representations about the application again demonstrating they also do not have any concerns.

 

The Sub- Committee found that on the balance of probabilities there does not appear to be a problem with noise nuisance at the premises, as both the Police and the Environment Health have not made any representations in this matter. In addition, the Sub- Committee found that the since the time that the original licence was granted, circumstances have changed for the fast-food industry, food is no longer ordered only over the telephone.  Orders are completed through apps with many different companies.  The Sub-committee found that it was no longer appropriate or workable to insist that all drivers have labels in their vehicles stating, “do not slam car doors rev engines or play loud music”.  The Applicant has no control over the delivery vehicles of other companies, and as such the condition has now become unworkable.   Likewise, the condition limiting the number of vehicles to two after 23hrs, and the condition in relation to mopeds, again the Sub-Committee have also found that these conditions are also unworkable for the same reasons.

 

The Sub-Committee in light of the above information, granted the application.

 

 

The Bereavement Services Manager presented  a report which sought approval for the proposed programme of meetings for 2023-24.

 

She stated that the memorandum of agreement for the crematorium stated that the Joint Committee held at least two meetings in a municipal year, one of which must be the annual general meeting.

The first meeting of the Joint Committee after the annual meetings of Councils shall be the joint committee’s annual general meeting, and that's the meeting that the Joint committee will elect, a chairman and the vice chairman for the ensuring year. She stated that the Joint committee may hold as many other meetings at such intervals as they as they find necessary or convenient and proceeded to propose a series of dates.

 

The Chairperson inquired the possibility of a site visit so that the committee could look at the proposals and see the operations and renovation work in progress.

 

The Bereavement Services Manager stated that they normally try to undertake a site visit prior to the Annual General Meeting.

In response to a query from a member as to whether the site visit can be undertaken upon completion of the flower court, the Bereavement Services Manager stated that the extension work with the flower court is not expected to be completed prior to the AGM and is more likely to be completed towards September 2023. She said she however felt that a site visit would be beneficial particularly as there were newly elected members on the joint committee who had not had a tour of the facilities before.

 

 

RESOLVED :            The Joint Committee approved the   

                                  programme of meetings for 2023-24.

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar for Coychurch Crematorium presented the report the purpose of which was to approve the Crematorium Business Plan and Fees Report for 2023-2024.

 

She mentioned that the Business plan is presented to the Joint Committee for approval as it sets out service objectives and proposed maintenance and improvement projects for the forthcoming financial year. The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar for Coychurch Crematorium made reference to Appendix 1 which was the Service Level Business Plan and drew the committee’s attention to the Green Flag award won by the Crematorium again in 2022 and the fact that the Service remains financially self-sufficient. She also mentioned the staffing structure, details of the business hours and types of memorialisation offered. She drew reference to the contents of the report mentioning the different ways the Crematorium markets itself and communicates with its service users and also referred to the different ways in which the crematorium remains environmentally sustainable.

 

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar for Coychurch Crematorium listed the key achievements over the last 10 years particularly that of the installation of external lighting in 2021 and the renewal of the two chapels’ digital music facility including the installation of the visual tribute screens. She mentioned the structural building work which commenced in 2022 and ongoing to the extension of the flower court and main chapel exit.

She drew the committee’s attention to the performance indicators relating to the previous 5 years the results of which were derived from the service questionnaires, the existing targets of service level satisfaction to be extended to the years 2023-2024.

 

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar for Coychurch Crematorium referenced point 4 of the Clerk and Technical officer’s report which detailed the annual statistics which she took the committee through. She related the figures in 2020 to the pandemic and stated that the 2022 figures were settling to the pre-pandemic level. She then proceeded to take the committee through the subsections under point 4 which detailed the current situation and proposals.

 

The Head of Operations- Community Services re-iterated, in reference to paragraph 4.4 that what appeared as an increase of the fee for the hire of the chapel for a memorial service from £82 to £220 was not an actual increase but an anomaly in the original fee stated.

 

A discussion between a member, the Bereavement Services Manager / Registrar of Coychurch Crematorium and the Head of Operations – Community Services took place in relation to rationale and matching of CPI.

 

It was explained that fees had been aligned with the overall increase in prices throughout BCBC. The crematorium utilises high levels of energy and the prices are reflective of the national increase in energy and other goods and services utilised in its standard operations. They stated that the increase was made in order that services continue to be maintained at a high standard in line with its reputation.  

 

The chairperson and a member commended the Bereavement Services Manager on the content and presentation of the report and progress made.

 

 

RESOLVED                :   The Joint Committee agreed to  

                                        approve the Service Level Business Plan 2023-24.

                                      

                                        The Joint Committee agreed to           

                                        approve the cremation fee for 2023-24 at £824.00

                                        and a general increase in all fees of 10.5%.

 

                                        The Joint Committee agreed to

                                        approve the fee for hiring the crematorium chapel

                                        for a thirty-minute memorial service at £220.00 for

                                        2023-24, which would double on Saturdays.

 

 

                  

 

The Accountant, Financial Control and Closing presented a report the purpose of which was to inform the Joint Committee of the projected financial performance for the Crematorium for 2022-23, and to obtain approval from the Joint Committee for the Proposed Budget and Fees and Charges for 2023-24.

 

He stated that the 2022-23 Revenue Budget was approved by the Joint Committee at its meeting on 4 March 2022 and proceeded to present all sections under the report which included the current situation/proposal and the proposed budget for 2023-2024.

The report also detailed Planned Capital Maintenance Spending Requirements, Fees and Charges and the Accumulated Balance.

 

A member queried the rate of the increased memorial service fee and the expected revenue resulting from the increase in the fee over the coming year. The Accountant, Financial Control and Closing stated he was unsure if an individual breakdown was available but saw that the general increase was forecast from 1.55million to 1.62million in the year 2023-24. He stated that he would endeavour to obtain further details around the figures.

 

 

 

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar for Coychurch Crematorium stated that the exact increase in revenue from increasing the memorial service fee had not been calculated. She clarified that they had seen an increase in usage of the larger Chapel for memorial services, particularly prior to cemetery burials, by local funeral directors prior to all funeral services being moved to the second chapel while building works were being carried out,  as the fee was significantly lower than that in the local churches. She stated that the Crematorium’s primary concern was to protect cremation and not become a general place for the hire of a Chapel because they were cost effective.

 

RESOLVED : The Joint Committee

 

·         Noted the projected financial performance for 2022-23

 

·         Confirmed and approve the revenue budget to be adopted for 2023-24

 

Approved the increase in fees and charges with effect from 1 April 2023 outlined in Appendix 1.

RESOLVED:                               That the above application be deferred, to allow officers to seek further clarification from the developer regarding the depth of the soil, its suitability for tree planting and the scope for additional landscaping.  Members also requested that the developer discusses community contributions with the Porthcawl Town Council outwith the planning process. 

 

Proposal:

 

Variation of Condition 1 of P/21/211/RLX – Tree removal/tree retention plans and landscaping scheme .

              

None.

 

RESOLVED:                               That the report of the Corporate Director – Communities outlining up and coming training sessions on Planning and Development key topics, be noted.

 

RESOLVED:                       (1)   That the appeals received since the last meeting of the Committee as shown in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities be noted.

 

(2)    That the Inspector appointed by Welsh Ministers to determine the following appeals, has directed they be Dismissed:-

 

                    a.  Appeal No.  –  CAS-02102-T9M5R1 (1961)

Subject of Appeal  –  Residential development with car parking, landscaping and ancillary   works – Land to north and east of Cypress Gardens, Porthcawl.

 

                    b.  Appeal No.  -  CAS-02058-H2T2R2 (1959)

                         Subject of Appeal – Change of use from Use Class B1/B2 to   Use Class D1 (health Clinic), Unit 1A and 2A Heol Ffaldau, Brackla Ind. Estate, Bridgend

 

                    c.   Appeal No.  -  CAS-02071-B9C1R9 (1970)

                          Subject of Appeal – Untidy land, Former Pump House, Heol Faen, Maesteg.

 

                    d.   Appeal No. -  CAS-02346-D9Y3L9  (1976)

                          Subject of Appeal - Detached garage to front of property, High   Street, Laleston.

 

                    e.   Appeal No. -  CAS-02392-C5M3H6 (1980)

                          Subject of Appeal – Retention of shed and fence within  front garden, 5 Clevis Crescent, Porthcawl.

 

                    f.    Appeal No. -  CAS-02421-S3S7F6 (1981)

                          Subject of Appeal – Remodelling of dwelling, 1st floor with  pitched roof dormers and 2 storey glazed frontage; alterations and extensions to ground floor, 1 The Whimbrels, Porthcawl.

 

                 (3)  That the Inspector appointed by Welsh Ministers to determine the following appeals, has directed they be Allowed, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director - Communities:-

 

                     a.    Appeal No. - CAS-02159-S2N0T9 (1971)

                            Subject of Appeal – Dining Room extension, 9 Duffryn Oaks Drive, Pencoed.

 

                     b.    Appeal No. - CAS-02051-R7H6K0 (1958)

Subject of Appeal – Vary Condition 1 of P/21/420/FUL –  Amended design of Granny  annex, 15 West Drive, Porthcawl.

 

                     c.    Appeal No. -  CAS-02130-Q2Z4J5 (1965)

                            Subject of Appeal - Vary Condition 1 & remove Condition  4 of P/19/371/FUL -  (Proposed conversion (including extensions) of 2 stone barns &   associated land to 2 dwellings with private garden space & courtyard area for accommodating associated parking spaces) land between Pyle Road & Fulmar Road, Nottage, Porthcawl.

 

                               (4)   That the Inspector appointed by Welsh Ministers to determine the following appeal be Allowed on Ground G, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities. The Enforcement was Upheld:

 

                            Appeal No. - CAS-02021-G5L2F4 (1957)

                            Subject of Appeal – Alleged unauthorised Build, 3 Clevis Crescent, Porthcawl.

 

                              (5)    That Members requested that as part of future appeals information, they be provided with statistics relating to appeals performance.

 

 

  

RESOLVED:                              That the outline Development Control Committee Guidance be noted.

 

RESOLVED:                              The Amendment Sheet was accepted by the Chairperson as an urgent item under Part 4, paragraph 4 of the Council Procedure Rules.

 

There were no public speakers.

 

Councillor Pratt declared a personal interest in agenda item 8, as the local Member for Newton and due to the fact that he resided near the application site.  

 

RESOLVED:                              To confirm a date of Wednesday 03 May 2023, for proposed site inspections arising at the meeting, or identified in advance of the next Committee meeting by the Chairperson.

 

RESOLVED:                               That the minutes of a meeting of the Development Control Committee dated 9 February 2023, be approved as a true and accurate record.

 

The Strategic Planning Officer presented a report, the purpose of which, was to update the Development Control Committee on the findings of the 2022 AMR (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) and more notably, that housing delivery is failing to keep pace with the housing requirement and new deliverable housing allocations are urgently needed to relieve growing housing supply pressure.

 

He explained that the Council has a statutory obligation under Section 61 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, to keep all matters under review that are expected to affect the development of its area. In addition, Section 76 of the Act required the Local Planning Authority to produce information on these matters in the form of an AMR, for submission to the Welsh Government.

 

He further advised that the 2022 AMR must be submitted to the Welsh Government prior to the 31 October 2022.

 

The main aim of the AMR was to assess the extent to which the LDP Strategy and Policies are being achieved. Therefore, the AMR has two primary roles, firstly, to consider whether the policies identified in the monitoring process are being implemented successfully and secondly to consider the Plan as a whole against all of the information gathered, in order to determine whether a complete or partial review of the Plan is necessary.

 

The Strategic Planning Officer went on to say, that there had been many changes since 2013 that had influenced the successful

implementation of the LDP. The AMR therefore considered whether the development strategy that underpins the LDP remains valid and assesses whether or not the Strategy Policies contained within this are being effective in delivering the Development Strategy and meeting the objectives of the plan.

 

The findings of the AMR also provided an important opportunity for the Council to assess the effectiveness of the adopted LDP and to determine whether or not it needs to be reviewed. The previously published LDP Review Report (2018) already recognised an urgent need to address the shortfall in the housing land supply through the identification of additional housing sites.

 

The development that had taken place since adoption of the existing LDP has levied significant investment into the County Borough and delivered new homes and jobs for BCBC’s communities. However, a number of key housing provision policy targets are not being met which indicated that these policies are not functioning as intended. The longer this situation remains unaddressed he added, the greater the need will be to include extra housing provision within the Replacement LDP or risk ad hoc development and ‘planning by appeal’.

 

This further reinforced the need for a plan review, as the annual housing requirement will not pause for housing delivery to catch up.

 

The Strategic Planning Officer confirmed that the Local Planning Authority is continuing to progress the Replacement LDP to address the shortfall in housing delivery and facilitate the identification/allocation of additional housing land.

 

He concluded his report, by stating that further investment into the local economy is required and the Replacement LDP will stimulate take up of new employment land, mixed-use sites and regeneration opportunities (including sites in the Council’s ownership). This will bring forward new schemes, masterplans and development briefs to enable development.

 

RESOLVED:                                     That Members noted the content of the   report of the Corporate Director – Communities.

RESOLVED:                           (1) That the appeals received since the last meeting of the Committee as shown in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities be noted.

 

                                                (2) That the Inspector appointed by Welsh Ministers to determine the following appeals, has directed they be dismissed:-

 

Appeal No.  -  CAS-02086-N7G7S9 (1942)

Subject of Appeal – Two Storey Extension to side of Dwelling and Single Storey Extension to Rear of Dwelling, 8 Priory Road, Bridgend.

 

Appeal No. - CAS-02006-Q7B8M6 (1953)

Subject of Appeal - Freestanding Hoarding Sign (48 Sheet) 6m X 3m Land Opposite 65 Bethania Street, (South of Scout Hall), Maesteg.

 

Appeal No. CAS-02071-B9C1R9 (1960)

Subject of Appeal - Removal of Existing Roof; Rotation of Roof Pitch; Increase of Roof Pitch; Two New Pitched Roof Dormers too Front; Flat Roof Dormer Extension too Rear, 15 Anglesey Way, Porthcawl

 

(3)  That the Inspector appointed by Welsh Ministers to determine the following appeal, has directed it be Allowed subject to Conditions:-

 

Appeal No. CAS-01997-N2P6M0 (1955)

Subject of Appeal - Construct Garden Room to Rear Garden, 16 Shelley Drive Bridgend

 

                                               (4)  The Inspector appointed by Welsh  Ministers to determine the following appeal, has directed the following decision:-

 

**The appeal is dismissed insofar as it relates to the alteration to the front dormer and provision of a balcony.

**The appeal is allowed insofar as it relates to the removal of the rear extension and construction of a single-storey rear extension with balcony

 

Appeal No. CAS-02083-H6T1M9 (1963)

Subject of Appeal - Remove rear Extension; Construct Single Storey

Rear Extension with Balcony over; Alteration to Front Dormer and Provision of Balcony, 7 Gordon Road Porthcawl

 

                                               (5)  The following appeal was Refused for the reason contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities:-

 

Appeal No. CAS-02190-V5X2C2 (1972)

Subject of Appeal - Construction of a Roof Top Extension

11 Rest Bay Close, Porthcawl

 

Note: Since this appeal was submitted, PEDW advised:

 

As the above appeal was not received within 12 weeks of the date of the refusal, the appeal has been found to be invalid and PEDW cannot take any further action on the appeal.

None.

RESOLVED:                              That the report of the Corporate Director – Communities outlining up and coming training sessions on Planning and Development key topics, be noted.

RESOLVED:                            That Advertisement Consent be granted for the above application, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities, in addition to the standard advertisement conditions:-

 

PROPOSAL:  Non-illuminated pole mounted parking signs

RESOLVED:                            That the above application be granted, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities:-

 

PROPOSAL:  Installation of tickets kiosk machines x 3 and ANPR cameras, laying of CAT 6 and armoured cable to each car park kiosk/camera and reception

RESOLVED:            (1) That having regard to the above application, the applicant enters into a Section 106 Agreement to:

 

(i) Contribute a total sum of £25,266, paid on the commencement of development towards:-

 

• Bus stop improvements, including bus stop signs, markings, and bus  shelter roofing upgrades - £6,600.

• Traffic Orders required in connection with the required pedestrian crossing on Ewenny Road - £8,000.

• Improvements to the Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation (MOVA)   system on Ewenny Roundabout - £10,666.

 

                              (2)  That the Corporate Director Communities be given   delegated powers to issue a decision

                                    notice granting conditional consent in respect of this   proposal once the applicant has entered into the aforementioned Section 106 Agreement, subject to the Conditions contained in the report.

 

PROPOSAL:  Indoor and outdoor tennis centre, outdoor swimming pool, landscaping, car parking, new access and Active Travel route, new car park and amenity area for the adjacent care home

 

Subject to the amendment of two of the Conditions in the report, as follows:-

 

13.  Notwithstanding the submitted plans no development shall commence until a scheme for the provision of long stay and short stay cycle parking has been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The cycle parking shall be implemented before the development is brought   into beneficial use and retained for cycle parking purposes in

perpetuity.

 

Reason: In the interests of promoting sustainable means of travel to/from the site.

 

24.  All tournament tennis shall only be played on the external courts between 08.00 and 22.00 hours on any day.

 

Reason: To protect the amenities of the adjoining occupiers.

RESOLVED:                               That the above application be granted, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities:-

 

PROPOSAL: Variation of condition 1 of P/21/44/FUL to reflect existing changes and proposed alterations to single storey extension; erection of fence panels

 

Subject to the inclusion of the following further Condition.

 

4. The materials used to complete the works shall match the remainder of the substantially completed extension and, within 2 months of the date of this consent, the areas of exposed blockwork shall be fitted with a brick slip system to match the brickwork on the side elevations.

 

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory form of development.

RESOLVED:                          That the summary of Development Control Committee Guidance as detailed in the report of the Corporate Director - Communities was noted.

RESOLVED:                          That the Chairperson accepted the Development Control Committee Amendment Sheet as an urgent item, in accordance with Part 4 (paragraph 4) of the Council Procedure Rules, in order to allow for the Committee to consider necessary modifications to the Committee report, so as to take account of late representations and revisions that are required to be accommodated.

There were no registered public speakers present to address any planning applications at today’s meeting.

RESOLVED:                             That in light of the date of the Development Control Committee scheduled for 29 December 2022, having been agreed at a meeting of Council yesterday to be moved to 5 January 2023, Members agreed for the date of any proposed site inspections to also be moved from 28 December 2022 to 4 January 2023 (am).

None.

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 was excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as they contained exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12 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 items in private, with the public excluded from the meeting, as it was considered that in all the circumstances relating to the item, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information, because the information would be prejudicial to the applicant so mentioned.

None

 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That under Section 100A (4) of the LocalGovernment Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) (Wales) Order 2007, the public was excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as it contained exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12 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 the circumstances relating to the item, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information, because the information would be prejudicial to the applicant so mentioned. 

 

None.

               RESOLVED:                         (1)   That the appeals received since the last meeting of the Committee as shown in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities be noted.

                                                             (2)   That the Inspector appointed by Welsh Ministers to determine the following appeal, has directed the Appeal be dismissed:-

               Appeal No.  -  CAS-01667-X6V3GO (1943)

               Subject of Appeal – Retention of new agricultural trackway using widened access – Ty Isaf Farm, Shwt.

RESOLVED:                         (1)   That the report of the Corporate Director – Communities outlining up and coming training sessions on Planning and Development key topics, be noted.

 

                                              (2)   That it be further noted that the training session planned for 16 November 2022 be postponed, as this clashes with the same date as the November Council meeting.

 

                                              (3)   That a further training session be set up on a date to be confirmed on the topic of Enforcement. 

RESOLVED:                                That the above application be granted subject to the Conditions contained within the report of the Corporate Director – Communities.

 

Proposal:

 

Construction of store to rear garden and garage/store to side of property

RESOLVED:                           (1)  That having regard to the above  application, the applicant enters into a Section 106 Agreement to:

 

i.                   Provide a minimum of 20% of the units as affordable housing with the type of unit(s), location within the site and affordable tenure to be agreed by the Council or a financial contribution towards off-site provision of affordable dwellings to an equivalent value.

 

 ii.       Provide a financial contribution of £4,156 on the commencement of development towards the provision/upgrading of children’s play space and outdoor sports facilities in the vicinity of the application site.

 

                                               (2)  The Corporate Director Communities be given delegated powers to issue a decision notice granting Outline consent in respect of this proposal once the applicant has entered into the aforementioned Section 106 Agreement, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities, in addition to the standard Reserved Matters Conditions.

 

Proposal:

 

Construction of 4 detached houses including external areas and parking.

RESOLVED:                            That the Committee were minded to refuse the above application, so a further report will be prepared for the next meeting of the Committee proposing the reasons for such refusal.

 

Proposal:

 

Variation of condition 1 of P/21/44/FUL to reflect existing changes and proposed alterations to single storey extension; erection of fence panels.

RESOLVED:                            That the outline Development Control Committee Guidance as detailed in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities be noted.

The following public speakers exercised their right to speak on the undermentioned planning applications:-

 

                   P/22/535/RLX – Mr A Ford and K Pardon (objectors), E and G Hooper (applicants)

P/22/118/OUT – Mrs C Thomas (objector), Mr K Griffiths (applicant’s agent)

                   P/22/335/FUL and P/22/337/FUL – Mr L Rees (objector)

RESOLVED:                                 That the above application be granted subject to the Conditions contained within the report of the Corporate Director – Communities.

 

Proposal:

 

Construction of garage/store to rear garden; car port to side of dwelling and increase in levels to garden area.

RESOLVED:                           The Amendment Sheet was accepted by the Chairperson as an urgent item under Part 4, paragraph 4 of the Council Procedure Rules.

None.

 

Planning Application No.                         Public Speaker

 

P/21/907/FUL                                             Beth Payne (Objector)

                                                                   Rory Pitman (Applicant)   

There was no Amendment Sheet for today’s meeting.

 

RESOLVED:                               That the summary of Development Control Committee Guidance as detailed in the report of the Corporate Director - Communities be noted.

 

RESOLVED:                (1)          That the two Appeals received since the last report was presented to Committee as detailed in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities, be noted.

 

                                     (2)         To note that the following Appeal which had been determined by an Inspector appointed by Welsh Ministers, was Dismissed:-

 

Appeal No.                                 Subject of Appeal

 

CAS-01518-M3N6L8 (1939)       Outline Planning Application to construct a Detached Dormer Bungalow land adjacent to 7 Fairways, North Cornelly.

 

RESOLVED:                              That the report of the Corporate Director – Communities outlining the Training Log for Members for the forthcoming months, be noted.

 

RESOLVED:                           That the above planning application be approved, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities:-

 

Proposal

 

Change of use from hairdressing salon to A3 cafe bar/wine bar (no hot food or takeaway element)

 

Subject to the inclusion of the following further Condition being added to the consent:-

 

6. Notwithstanding the approved plans, details of a wall mounted cigarette bin (location and type) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  The approved scheme shall be implemented prior to the first beneficial use of the café bar/wine bar and shall be retained in perpetuity.

 

Reason:  To ensure a satisfactory form of development and to protect the amenities of the area.

 

RESOLVED:                              That the above planning application be approved, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities:-

 

Proposal

 

Erection of equestrian timber stables (12) and associated ancillary space for livery.

RESOLVED:                              That the above planning application be approved, subject to the Conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director – Communities:-

 

Proposal

 

Demolition of existing garage block; construction of 4 parking spaces in place of demolished garage block; construction of 1 new dwelling house on unused land.

 

The Monitoring Officer presented a report proposing for approval, the programme of meeting dates for Cabinet, Cabinet Committee Equalities and Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting for the municipal year 2022 – 2023 as set out at 4.1 of the report. She added that the date of the Budget Cabinet meeting could be subject to change, depending on the timeline of the Welsh Government Local Government Settlement. Subject to the Programme of meeting dates being approved, the meetings would be

placed in Members and Officers electronic calendars.

 

The Monitoring Officer explained that a survey of the timings of all Committee meetings had taken place with Members’ feedback on this currently being collated. Therefore, whilst the dates of Cabinet and Cabinet Committee meetings were shown above, the timings of these would be added following the outcome of the survey.

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet approved the Programme of meeting dates for Cabinet, Cabinet Committee Equalities and Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting, as outlined in paragraph

4.1 of this report. 

The Monitoring Officer presented a report seeking Cabinet’s approval for the appointment of Members to joint committees and the nomination of Members to outside bodies. A list of the joint committees and outside bodies concerned was appended to the report at Appendix 1. Appointments to outside bodies were an important mechanism within the County Borough for community leadership, partnership and joint working and knowledge and information sharing.

 

The Monitoring Officer explained that this was a provisional list and when complete, it would be circulated to all members and published on the website.

 

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet:

appointed the requisite number of Members to the joint committees and other outside bodies as listed in Appendix 1 to the report (names of individual representatives to be added to the list and when complete, the list to be circulated to all Members and published).

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support presented a report informing Cabinet of the outcome of the consultation to open provision for pupils with ALN establishing a LRC for pupils with ASD at Tremains Primary School; presenting the findings of the consultation in a detailed Consultation Report (Appendix A) and seeking approval to progress to the publication of a statutory notice as prescribed in the School Organisation Code.

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support outlined the background to the report. He then explained that in order to progress the proposal, consultation exercises were carried out between 6 January 2022 and 17 February 2022 in accordance with the statutory School Organisation Code. A summary of the issues raised by consultees and the local authority’s responses were provided in the Consultation Report as detailed at Appendix A of this report. Cabinet would need to consider the Consultation Report and determine the preferred way forward. Should Cabinet wish to proceed with the proposal, 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. If there were no objections during the public notice period then the proposal could be implemented with Cabinet’s approval. If there were objections at this public notice stage, an Objections Report would be published summarising the objections and the Authority’s response to those objections. Cabinet would need to consider the proposal in light of objections. Cabinet could then accept, reject or modify the proposal.

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support outlined the financial implications. 

 

The Cabinet Member for Education agreed that this was a way of making sure every child received the support they needed. He wished that this level of support had been available for his family when they went to school.

 

The Leader said that it was evident from the consultation process how much support there was from the staff, governors and pupils. The school already had a number of specialist classes so was already experienced in supporting children with additional learning needs and ensuring wherever possible they could access mainstream activities to make sure they were part of the whole school.

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet:

•      noted the outcome of the consultation with interested parties as detailed in the attached consultation report (Appendix A) and appendices;

•      approved the consultation report (Appendix A) for publication; and

•           authorised the publication of a statutory notice in respect of the proposal.

The Corporate Director Communities presented a report updating Cabinet on discussions on the opportunity to develop a Hydrogen Demonstrator Project in Wales providing local green hydrogen that supported decarbonisation of the Council’s assets and the wider region.

 

The Corporate Director Communities outlined the background. In 2021, Welsh Government (WG) were approached by the Japanese Consortium Marubeni, global specialist in renewables and hydrogen projects, to ask if they were interested in an investment opportunity for a Hydrogen

Demonstrator Project in Wales. The Japanese Government’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) pledged some £13m to co-fund Hydrogen Power Demonstrators Projects with the Marubeni Corporation in the UK. The key to this project was the supply of Green Hydrogen power for heat and transportation using green energy sources. Bridgend was chosen as the most appropriate location and potential investment partner.

 

The Corporate Director Communities outlined progress made so far and explained that the project would potentially bring a total of £26 million external investment funds into the borough through the NEDO (£13M) and Marubeni (£13M) that would develop a unique local energy and management system providing green low-cost energy and heat. The Cardiff Capital Region had in principle agreed to consider the opportunity for investment on receipt of a detailed proposal and were engaged with the project. WG, having introduced the opportunity, were also keen to see the project to fruition and to support its development. A draft Memorandum of Understanding was being prepared which set out a non legally binding commitment to cooperate in good faith and the framework under which BCBC and Marubeni Corporation would closely collaborate during any development stage. Funding would need to be determined during this period and a report would be submitted back to Cabinet.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities added that these were exciting times with a £26 million investment and unknow opportunities and a chance to lead the way.

 

The Cabinet Member for Resources supported the project and added that this would put BCBC in a good position to reduce its carbon footprint. He asked that his thanks to the previous Cabinet Member and the Leader, be recorded for building relationships to help win this project.

 

The Leader also paid tribute to the efforts and the work of the previous Cabinet Member, Cllr Young who was a very enthusiastic and passionate champion for the pioneering work undertaken with partners. It was important to note that WG were very supportive of work undertaken so far and the work that would be undertaken in the future. This was crucial because they could provide funding to progress the scheme. They would look at ways of briefing all Members and provide detailed briefings for local members when sites were identified.

 

RESOLVED:           Cabinet:

·           Noted the progress to develop; Bridgend Net Zero Carbon – Hydrogen Demonstrator Project

·           Delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Communities, in consultation with the Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change and Chief Officer - Legal and Regulatory Services, Human Resources and Corporate Policy, to work with the

Marubeni Corporation to develop the Hydrogen Demonstrator Project and to negotiate the terms of the MoU and enter into the document.

·           Delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Communities, in consultation with the Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change and Chief Officer - Legal and Regulatory Services, Human Resources and Corporate Policy, to commission

specialist advice utilising resources that will be made available from the Communities Directorate Earmarked Reserve (EMR) 2022-23 for implementing Bridgend 2030 Decarbonisation Strategy from the Communities Directorate budget as required and to report back to Cabinet on the full project proposal.

Noted that a further report shall be received following the end of the MoU period to consider detailed viability of the project. 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support presented a report informing Cabinet of the outcome of the consultation in respect of the

proposal to make regulated alterations to Heronsbridge School; presenting the findings of the consultation in a detailed Consultation Report

(Appendix A); and seeking approval to progress the publication of a statutory notice as prescribed in the School Organisation Code 2018 (the Code).

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support outlined the background to the report. He then explained that in order to progress the proposed regulated alterations to Heronsbridge School, consultation exercises were carried out between 4 April and 18 May 2022, in accordance with the statutory School Organisation Code 2018. The consultation document invited views and opinions to be submitted in respect of the proposal. A summary of the issues raised by consultees and the local authority’s responses were provided in the Consultation Report as detailed

in Appendix A of this report. Cabinet would need to consider the Consultation Report and determine the preferred way forward.

Should Cabinet wish to proceed with the proposal, the next stage of the

process would be to publish a statutory notice outlining the proposal which would need to be published for a period of 28 days. Any formal written objections would be invited during this time If there were no objections during the statutory notice period, then the proposal could be implemented with Cabinet’s approval. If there were objections at this statutory notice stage, an Objection Report would be published summarising the

objections and the local authority’s response to those objections. Cabinet would need to consider the proposal in light of any objections made. Cabinet could then accept, reject or modify the proposal.

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support outlined the financial implications. 

 

The Cabinet member for Education was really excited about this project, a purpose built school with the aspiration to be the best in Wales. The Head teacher, parents and pupils were all very excited about getting a purpose- built building to give them the facilities that they needed.

 

The Leader said that it was very uplifting to read the consultation report and in particular the feedback received from students and the voice of the learner. Points raised early in the process had been addressed eg facilities for the daily mile walk, allotments and an orchard. The swimming pool would offer hydrotherapy and this would be a green school with solar panels and the highest level of insulation and heat pumps.

 

The Cabinet member for Education confirmed that if the proposal went ahead there would be no damage to hut 9 which was a protected building and there would be no detrimental impact on that site.

 

The Leader explained that the current building was also listed and protected by CADW.

 

RESOLVED:        Cabinet:

·      Noted the outcome of the consultation with prescribed consultees, as detailed in the attached Consultation Report and appendices;

·      Approved the Consultation Report (Appendix A) for publication; and

·      Authorised the publication of a statutory notice in respect of the proposal.

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support presented a report informing Cabinet of the outcome of the published statutory notice in respect of the proposed enlargement of Mynydd Cynffig Primary School, as detailed in the Objection Report (Appendix A); seeking approval to publish the Objection Report, as prescribed by the School Organisation Code 2018 (Code); seeking approval to implement the proposal with effect from the beginning of the autumn term 2025; and seeking approval to issue and publish a decision letter, as prescribed by the Code.

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support outlined the background to the report. He then explained the current position and that following Cabinet approval on 8 February 2022, the consultation report was

published on the Council’s website and stakeholders were advised accordingly. The statutory public notice was published on 7 March 2022 for a period of 28 days and formal written objections were invited during this time. The Council received one email in respect of the proposal during the statutory notice period. Legal advice was sought and it was recommended to consider the correspondence as an objection to the proposal. An Objection Report was published summarising the objection and the local authority’s response to the objection. Cabinet would now need to consider the proposal in light of the objection. Cabinet could then accept, reject, or modify the proposal. The attached Objection Report (Appendix A to the report) set out the objection received and the local authority response.

 

The Cabinet member for Education thanked the officers for their hard work and added that this was an exciting project to bring a new school to the area. He hoped it would be delivered as quickly as possible. The objection had been dealt with and the allotments had been given a new home and stability for the future.

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet:

 

·      Noted the outcome of the published statutory notice in respect of the proposed enlargement of Mynydd Cynffig Primary School as detailed in the Objection Report (Appendix A);

·      Gave approval to publish the Objection Report;

·      Determined to implement the proposal with effect from the beginning of the autumn term 2025; and

Gave approval to issue and publish a decision letter.

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support presented a report informing Cabinet of the outcome of the consultation to open provision for pupils with ALN establishing a LRC for pupils with MLD at Ysgol Cynwyd Sant; presenting the findings of the consultation in a detailed consultation report (Appendix A) and seeking approval to progress to the publication of a statutory notice as prescribed in the School Organisation Code.

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support outlined the background to the report. He then explained that in order to progress the proposal, consultation exercises were carried out between 6 January 2022 and 17 February 2022 in accordance with the statutory School Organisation Code. The consultation document invited views and opinions to be submitted in respect of the proposal. A summary of the issues raised by consultees and the local authority’s responses were provided in the Consultation Report as detailed at Appendix A of this report. Cabinet would need to consider the Consultation Report and determine the preferred way forward. Should Cabinet wish to proceed with the proposal, 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. If there were no objections during the public notice period then the proposal could be

implemented with Cabinet’s approval. If there were objections at this public notice stage, an Objections Report would be published summarising the objections and the Authority’s response to those objections. Cabinet would need to consider the proposal in light of objections. Cabinet could then accept, reject or modify the proposal.

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support outlined the financial implications. 

 

The Cabinet Member for Education thanked all those at the school for taking part in this initiative. It was a great move forward and he hoped it would be as much of a success as they were hoping.

 

The Leader explained that this was undoubtedly progress. This was about inclusive education and that was at the heart of the strategy for supporting children with additional learning needs. The LRC was the first in the north of the borough in the medium of Welsh. The whole school would benefit from this resource as there could be other children within the school that may not be eligible for direct support but they could benefit from the specialist staff.

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet:

·      noted the outcome of the consultation with interested parties as detailed in the attached consultation report (Appendix A) and appendices;

·      approved the consultation report (Appendix A) for publication; and

authorised the publication of a statutory notice in respect of the proposal.

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support presented a report informing Cabinet of the outcome of the consultation on the proposed

enlargement of Ysgol Gymraeg (YG) Bro Ogwr; presenting the findings of the consultation in a detailed Consultation Report (Appendix A) and

seeking approval to publish the Consultation Report and progress the

publication of a statutory notice as prescribed in the School Organisation

Code 2018 (the Code).

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support outlined the background to the report. He then explained that following ministerial approval in November 2021 and Cabinet approval in January 2022, a statutory consultation was progressed to make a regulated alteration to enlarge YG Bro Ogwr to a 2.5 FE school, with a 90-place full-time-equivalent nursery plus an 8-place observation and assessment class on land off Ffordd Cadfan. The proposal would come into effect at the beginning of the autumn term 2025. In order to progress the proposed regulated alteration to YG Bro Ogwr in the form of an enlargement, consultation exercises were carried out between 7 February 2022 and 21 March 2022, in accordance with the statutory School Organisation Code 2018. The consultation document invited views and opinions to be submitted in respect of the proposal. A summary of the issues raised by consultees and the local authority’s responses were provided in the Consultation Report as detailed in Appendix A to the report. Cabinet would need to consider the Consultation Report and determine the preferred way forward. Should Cabinet wish to proceed with the proposal, the next stage of the process was to publish a statutory notice outlining the proposal which would need to be published for a period of 28 days. Any formal written objections would be invited during this time. If there were no objections during the public notice period, then the proposal could be implemented with Cabinet’s approval. If there were objections at this public notice stage, an Objections Report would be published summarising the objections and the local authority’s response to those objections and Cabinet would need to consider the proposal in light of any objections made. Cabinet

could then accept, reject or modify the proposal.

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support outlined the financial implications. 

 

The Cabinet Member for Education thanked officers for their hard work. This development was a very important step in developing the Welsh language in Bridgend. It would be the biggest Welsh medium school in Bridgend with a state of the art building allowing the school and the Welsh language to grow and flourish. Welsh Language was a key commitment of this Cabinet and local authority and this went a long way to demonstrating that. 

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities welcomed the report. This was an exciting project with community facilities and separate picking up/dropping off facilities. He looked forward to seeing the school completed and better services for the Welsh language.

 

The Leader was pleased to see that included in the proposals there were plans for an observation class for children with additional learning needs in Welsh. He thanked the consultees for their responses. Concerns had been raised about the availability of space in the short term and he was pleased that WG announced additional funding for schools which would allow them to progress with additional classes at Bro Ogwyr to accommodate children pre 2025. He asked for further information to be provided regarding the siting of the additional classrooms, to a future meeting.

 

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet:

·      noted the outcome of the consultation with prescribed consultees, as detailed in the attached Consultation Report and appendices;

·      approved the publication of the Consultation Report (Appendix A); and

·      approved the publication of a statutory notice in respect of the proposal.

·       

 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support presented a report seeking approval from Cabinet for the appointment of local authority governors to the school governing bodies listed at paragraphs 4.1 and

4.2 of the report. He explained that for the 15 current local authority governor vacancies at the 13 schools in the table, all applicants met the approved criteria for appointment as a local authority governor and there was no competition for these vacancies. He explained that there was competition for one vacancy and that the panel had noted that Cllr Neelo Farr had recently become an elected member for part of the school’s catchment area since submission of the application form. Therefore, in accordance with the criteria identified in the Council’s ‘Guidance on the appointment of local education authority governors’, the recommended appointment was Cllr Neelo Farr.

 

The Cabinet member for Education thanked the officer for the report and all the people who had put their names forward to be a school governor. There were still many vacancies and this was a call for volunteers to apply for these very important roles. 

 

RESOLVED:         Cabinet approved the appointments detailed at paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of the report.

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change presented a report giving an update on the Council’s revenue financial performance for the year ended 31st March 2022 and seeking approval for budget virements between £100,000 and £500,000, as required by the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change gave a summary of the financial position at 31^st March 2022. She explained that given the changes that had occurred which had resulted in a better financial position at the end of 2021-22, the Council was able to apply some of this funding to investments to support its residents. 

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change provided a summary of the financial position for each main service area attached at Appendix 3 to the report and commented on the most significant variances. She also outlined the most significant variances in the Council wide budgets and summarised the movement on earmarked reserves.

 

The Cabinet Member for Resources asked that his appreciation be recorded for Welsh Government (WG) and their support for Local Government following successful lobbying by the WLGA, the Leader and officers. He was pleased to note that WG had listened and responded.

 

The Leader echoed the comments made that WG had been very supportive and acknowledged that they had been in the same position with last minute decisions from UK Government. He asked the Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change if other authorities were in the same position with unexpected grants awarded late in the financial year. He asked, with regard to the outstanding savings identified in the Streetworks review, that if they did not receive approval from WG, the Corporate Director for Communities together with the Cabinet Member for Communities should write to WG to try to achieve that budget reduction proposal.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change confirmed that all authorities had received money late in year and were reporting along the same lines as Bridgend with regard to underspend in year and increased reserves. 

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities echoed the comments made. With regard to the savings which had been identified as part of the Streetworks review, he asked that if they could not get approval from WG then it could be classed as a corporate pressure and not a pressure on the communities budget. 

 

 RESOLVED:      Cabinet:

• noted the revenue outturn position for 2021-22

• recommend that Council approve the virements between £100,000 and £500,000 as outlined in paragraph 4.1.15 

The Corporate Director Communities presented a report providing a background on the UK Government Levelling Up Fund (LUF) and updating Cabinet on the development of projects previously endorsed by them to be developed for this and future rounds of the fund. The report also sought endorsement to submit projects in the next round of the fund.

 

The Corporate Director Communities explained that the LUF would invest in local infrastructure and capital projects that had a visible impact on people and their communities. This included a range of high value local investment priorities, including local transport schemes, urban and economic

regeneration projects and supporting cultural assets. Each constituency bid could be up to the value of £20m. However, there was also scope

for investing in larger, high-value transport projects, allowing for bids of up to £50m, with each bid being encouraged to contribute a minimum of 10% funding from local and third-party contributions.

 

The Corporate Director Communities reported that applications for round two of funding must be submitted in full by midday on Wednesday 6 July 2022. Updates were provided on the three constituency projects which were previously reported to Cabinet, setting out the current position and proposals for the way forward.

 

The Corporate Director Communities explained that for the Bridgend Constituency they would be proceeding with the Porthcawl Pavilion

Redevelopment. The principal objectives of the renewal of the Grand Pavilion would address the issues of risk to the building fabric that existed in the condition of the concrete structure whilst also meeting the needs and aspirations of local people for extended and improved arts, heritage and library services. A number of new facilities were proposed including new function spaces at first floor (Esplanade) level, new rooftop function and cafe spaces offering elevated sea-views across the Bristol Channel and a new Studio theatre. The local MP supported the bid.

 

For the Ogmore constituency, agreement had previously been sought to

pursue a Bridgend Enterprise Development Project, which officers felt was the most advantageous project to meet local needs and achieve the aspirations of the Levelling Up programme, by delivering commercial and employment space in key locations. UK Government Levelling Up officials had been unsupportive of this project, and they did not believe that this project would be successful and would not find favour during the assessment process. Despite having considered other strategic opportunities within the constituency area, no other projects had been developed to a point where officers could recommend the submission of an alternative project. Officers would like to take the opportunity to identify an alternative strategic project and potential partners to develop a bid for the communities of the Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore Valleys, in anticipation of the next bidding round.

 

The Transport bid was for the Penprysg Railway Bridge, a long-standing infrastructure project for Bridgend included in the current and replacement Local Development Plan (LDP) as well as predecessor land use plans.

This project would result in the rebuilding of the Penprysg road bridge so that it could accommodate two-way traffic leading to the eventual closure of Pencoed’s railway level crossing, and an all-new active travel bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. The value of the project would place it into the ‘large transport scheme’ category and therefore there would be a need for a more substantial financial and economical case.

 

The Corporate Director Communities outlined the financial implications in relation to the two bids to be submitted for funding in round two of the LUF programme. The LUF application encouraged a minimum 10% match funding requirement for each project and as the details of the delivery costs relating to each project emerged, both projects would be seeking the support of partner organisations and other external funding sources to support the total cost of the delivery of the projects. However, at this point match funding from external sources had not been secured.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communitiescommended the amazing work that had been done resulting in the Penprysg Road Bridge Scheme coming to fruition and improvements to Porthcawl Pavilion. It was unfortunate that the Ogmore bid could not be submitted but a better scheme could be achieved with more time.    

 

The Cabinet Member for Regenerationwelcomed the report and thanked the Corporate Director Communities and her team for their hard work and she hoped that Ogmore would benefit in the next round.

 

The Leader stressed that it was important to note that the work undertaken to develop new enterprise hubs had not been wasted because they would look to see what other funding schemes were available to progress those schemes.  He added that there would be briefing sessions for local members on both schemes.

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet:

·      Noted the overview and update on the application process associated with the LUF.

·      Endorsed the projects proposed by officers to be submitted in round two of the LUF programme.

·      Delegated authority to the Director of Communities to liaise with the Section 151 Officer to agree the total project costs to be submitted within the applications

·      Approved that future financial implications would be reported back to Cabinet and Council in due course prior to acceptance of any grant funding.

Agreed to receive a future report on the development of a bid for the Ogmore Constituency.

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change presented a report seeking agreement from Cabinet to present a report to Council for approval of a revised capital programme for 2021-22 to 2031-32.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change explained that on 23 February 2022, Council approved a capital programme covering the

period 2021-22 to 2031-32 as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy

(MTFS). A review had been undertaken of available capital resources, taking into consideration uncommitted funding in the capital programme, the anticipated year end revenue position for 2021-22, the position on earmarked reserves and revenue budgets available for 2022-23. As a result of this, a number of new capital schemes had been proposed by

Directorates, which had undergone rigorous review and challenge by

members of Corporate Management Board, before being submitted for

inclusion in the capital programme. This report was only seeking approval for the inclusion of new schemes within the capital programme that was approved by Council in February 2022.

 

The Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change outlined the current situation and the proposed new capital schemes including funding. A revised Capital Programme, incorporating these schemes was included at Appendix A to the report.

 

The Cabinet Member for Resources stated that as discussed in the previous report, the authority was now in the fortuitous position where almost £10 million pounds could be invested in the County Borough with a number of schemes in education and communities that would benefit from the extra investment.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communitieswelcomed the massive investment in education and community facilities and in particular, children’s playground facilities taking the total investment to over a million pounds. 

 

The Leader said that he was particularly pleased to see the proposals for the investment in three schools which would enable major expansion and more classrooms allowing more children to attend those schools. Section 106 funding had also been secured totalling almost £1.3 million to support the funding committed to those schemes. There was also critical investment in the telecare project which would allow the analogue network to be switched off and a transfer made to digital to continue to provide a service giving independence to individuals allowing them to stay at home.  There was earmarked funding for Penprysg Road so that it could accommodate two-way traffic leading to the eventual closure of Pencoed’s railway level crossing. The infrastructure project required early design work and this funding would allow that to be undertaken. 

 

RESOLVED:        Cabinet agreed that the revised Capital Programme

(Appendix A to the report) be submitted to Council for approval.

The Corporate Director Communities presented a report providing an update on the future direction of the recycling and waste service and seeking Cabinet approval to proceed to tender, for an interim contract for the recycling and waste collection / community recycling centre management contract, for up to a two year duration. Approval was also required to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Communities to negotiate and finalise acquisition fees for the existing vehicles, plant and equipment utilised in the provision of the current service with Kier Services Limited and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Communities to negotiate terms with Kier to change fuel supply for the existing fleet of recycling and waste vehicles and plant to a hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) derived fuel, in the period up to the end of the contract in 2024. The Corporate Director Communities was seeking approval to commence work on the future service provision post 2026, including looking at decarbonisation of the waste fleet and additional material streams for

recycling with the aim of being the best performing waste & recycling Local

Authority in Wales.

 

The Corporate Director Communities outlined the background to the recycling and waste contract which was awarded to Kier Services Limited in April 2017, due to end on 31st March 2024.  The current recycling & waste service overall performed very well. BCBC were well ahead of the recycling target with a low missed collection rate and a good rate of customer satisfaction. There was a great deal of uncertainty with regards to the methodology and targets for the future recycling and waste service model and it was difficult to see what a future contract should look like. For these reasons Cabinet was strongly recommended to make a decision to put a short-term interim contract into place, of no more than two years, to cover the period from 2024 to 2026. This would allow time for key decisions to be made re collection methodology and time to look at the fleet they wanted to bring forward.

 

The Corporate Director Communities explained that no public consultation was required at this stage as the contract would provide virtually the same contract as the current one. BCBC had the right to acquire plant and equipment from Kier as this was built into the original contract. They would negotiate to acquire these assets and this would be subject to a further report. Also an interim step was being explored and discussed between

Kier and Council officers, namely the introduction of Hydrogenised Vegetable Oil (HVO) derived fuel vehicles. Kier had undertaken investigations and confirmed that the existing fleet was able to be run using this fuel type.

 

The Cabinet member for Communities explained that a lot of work had taken place to get to this position. Measures needed to be put in place for the short term and long term and all options remained on the table at this stage. He added that the success of the scheme was primarily down to the residents of Bridgend.

 

The Leader referred to the success of sorting at the kerbside which had resulted in a recycling rate of over 72% this year, well above the statutory target. Other authorities were looking to change their methodology because they were struggling to meet the targets. He added that the introduction of Hydrogenised Vegetable Oil (HVO) derived fuel vehicles would not only help reduce our carbon footprint by 93% but would also improve overall air quality in communities across Bridgend.  

 

The Cabinet Member for Future Generationsmirrored the comments made and supported the aim to be the best and to be as sustainable as possible. He asked if the fuel could be sourced with a view to allowing them to “double down” on the resource to make it as green as possible eg recycled vegetable oil.

 

The Cabinet Member for Resources agreed with the comments made and added that the efforts made by residents were appreciated. Kier would not be in this business in future so this was necessary to bridge that gap and to understand the aspirations of WG.

 

The Leader added that there would be engagement with all members via the scrutiny process.

 

RESOLVED:       Cabinet: -

 

1.    Authorised officers to proceed to seek invitation of tenders for the provisions of the short duration waste contract from 2024 to 2026.

2.    Delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Communities in conjunction with the Section 151 Officer and Chief Officer Legal and Regulatory Services, Human Resources and Corporate Policy to negotiate with Kier and agree the final cost for the acquisition of the vehicles and plant and equipment from Kier required to perform the recycling and waste service.

3.    Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Communities in conjunction with the Section 151 Officer and Chief Officer Legal and Regulatory Services, Human Resources and Corporate Policy to negotiate terms with Kier to change fuel supply

for the existing fleet of recycling and waste vehicles and plant to a HVO - hydrogenated vegetable oil derived fuel.

4.    Noted that future financial implications would be reported back to Cabinet and Council in due course.

Authorised officers to commence work on the future waste service model, commission specialist advice if required and report back to Cabinet on the new service model as developed.

The Children’s Rights and Participation Worker submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to update Cabinet Committee Equalities on the work done in recent months by the Youth Council and Young People Of Pride (YPOP).

 

In order to give Members some outline information, she explained that the Bridgend Youth Council consists of a mayor, cabinet members and teams of youth councillors. The body was set up and run by local young people, and is an entirely separate entity from Bridgend County Borough Council.

 

The main priorities highlighted by the Youth Mayor and Deputy are as follows:

 

•           The Sustainability for the future;

•           Education of Democracy and UK politics in schools;

•           Tackling Youth Violence through prevention programmes;

•           Youth mental Health Awareness and support in schools;

•           Educational prevention to bring an end to racism and injustice;

•           Supporting LGBTQ+ Rights

 

The Children’s Rights and Participation Worker confirmed that The Youth Council now had two sessions a month. One online session, `Chat and Chill’, that allows members to log onto zoom/online to chat to a Youth worker and take part in some quizzes and games. Another session is a formal face to face Youth Council Meeting, which happens on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The Youth Council meet in Evergreen Hall and take part in workshops, training, debates and consultations.

 

They have worked with Bridgend County Borough Council staff and outside organisations such as Barod, the Police and Crime Commissioners Team, Cwm Taf Health Board, plus more besides, she added.

 

During the last few months, the Youth Council given a contribution to the consultations outlined in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

 

They have also highlighted national events on social media such as:

 

•           #wearyellowforyouthmentalhealth Day;

•           International Women’s Day;

•           The Youth Mayor and Member of Youth Parliament Aspen took part  in the annual Remembrance Day events in Bridgend;

•           Members also took part in sessions through our Safeguarding week, highlighting information around substance use, domestic violence and mental health support.

 

The Deputy Youth Mayor, Gwion has been busy delivering his Trans Awareness training to the Youth Development Team and Senior Management Team in Bridgend. Gwion has been recognised for his service to the community through winning a High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan’s Award.

 

The Children’s Rights and Participation Worker then outlined some of the work and progress of the Young People Of Pride (YPOP) LGBTQIA+ Youth Club. More details regarding this were detailed in paragraph 4.5 of the report.

 

The Chairperson asked if there was membership on the Youth Council from all areas of the County Borough.

 

The Children’s Rights and Participation Worker responded by saying that there were 10 members in the Youth Council at present, though there was a recruitment drive currently ongoing to increase this, including through schools. Representative groups from Heronsbridge and Welsh Language groups were being explored also to become involved with the Youth Council agenda. She added that work was also in progress with School Councils, in order to build a network of them feeding into higher Corporate Plans.

 

The Cabinet Member – Communities felt that the Youth Council and other groups could be involved in working with him on projects such as the Waste Contract, the Net Zero carbon agenda and the Green agenda, etc.

 

A Member felt that promotion of the Youth Council and how to become involved in it, should be made more aware in the valley areas of the County Borough, as there was no representation from the Ogmore Valley on there.

 

The Children’s Rights and Participation Worker took this on board and added that further promotion of Youth Voice events could be explored, particularly as now there was extra support from two new Digital Youth workers that had recently been recruited.

 

The Leader and Deputy Leader in turn, also felt that the Youth Council could have some future involvement in the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.

 

RESOLVED:             That Cabinet Committee Equalities noted the update report.

 

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager presented a report, the purpose of which, was to update Cabinet Committee Equalities on plans to raise the profile of Equalities and build an action plan that will shape the Strategic Equalities Plan (SEP) objectives for 2024-2028.

 

By way of background information, she advised that the Equality Act 2010 includes a Public Sector Equality Duty which states that the Council, must consider the need to:

 

•           Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other   behaviour that is not allowed under the act.

•           Advance equality of opportunity between people with and without protected characteristics, for example by removing or minimising disadvantages, meeting the needs of people who have a protected characteristic or encouraging participation in public life and activities.

•           Encourage good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not, for example by tackling prejudice and promoting understanding.

 

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager reminded Members, that the council is committed to helping ensure that people of all protected characteristics can participate fully in our community as equal citizens. The nine protected characteristics here were:

 

·        age

·        disability

·        gender reassignment

·        marriage and civil partnership

·        pregnancy and maternity

·        race

·        religion and belief

·        sex

·        sexual orientation

 

She explained that BCBC’s Strategic Equality Plan sets out how equality objectives will be met, making services accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of those who live, work and visit the county borough.

 

She further added, that Equality is diverse and the Authority needed to include people and their representative groups in its planning and decision making processes to help them unlock their potential. The Council also needed to engage appropriately with people to help us meet our duties in the Public Sector Equality Duty in order to:

 

•  Set future equality objectives;

•  Review our Strategic Equality Plan;

•  Identify how our work and activities may contribute to meeting the general  duty;

•  Assess the likely impact on protected groups of our policies and practices  being proposed or reviewed.

 

  The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager concluded her report by advising, that in order to achieve these objectives, the aim is to explore ways of raising the profile of equalities across the organisation by reviewing the current Strategic Equality Plan and exploring the opportunity to establish a corporate working group to review the current Strategic Equality Plan and to discuss and create relevant objectives to form the new actions for the SEP 2024-2028.

 

The Chairperson considered that the Cabinet Committee could be used more effectively to drive its agenda forward and look for members of Groups and Associations to play an active part in issues of equality and diversity as part of future agenda business, under legislation such as the Future Generations Act.

 

The Deputy Leader confirmed that BCBC’s Procurement and Commissioning Strategies could also support the above aims and objectives, as well as a Bill passed recently in the Senedd, entitled Social Partnership. This could be used to commission provision, as BCBC were one of the largest employers in Bridgend.

 

The Leader gave his support to the introduction of a corporate working group and hoped that this would include a role for our key partners, for example, the South Wales Police, Health Board, Fire Authority, Probation Service etc.

 

It was further added that representation from schools and the School Consortia would be beneficial, in order to have an input from the youth within the Borough. The YPOP group was given as an example

 

The Chairperson advised that it would also be positive to see joining up of proposals within the Health Board’s Wellbeing Plan to that of the Council’s Corporate Plan and Strategic Equality Plan.

 

A Member also felt that it would be beneficial if those with a learning disability receiving support, could also play some part in the business of future meeting agendas and this was supplemented by another Member, adding that involvement from people with ‘lived experience’ with issues and problems they had been through in life that others in society may not have experienced.

 

The Deputy Leader stated that she would like to see on the agenda at the next scheduled meeting, a Race Action Plan, as well as future reports relating to groups in our society with protected characteristics.

 

RESOLVED:               That the Cabinet Committee noted the report.  

 

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager gave a report, seeking Cabinet Committee Equalities (CCE) approval for a proposed Forward Work Programme for 2023–2024.

 

The Forward Work Programme was outlined annually in March, setting out a proposal for the Committee’s key equality issues to be considered within the next financial year.  The proposed Forward Work Programme was attached at Appendix 1 of the report.

 

The Chairperson felt that Trans Lives in the County Borough should be considered as a future agenda item. He also felt that more work was required in respect of looking to establish Working Groups for certain individuals within the County Borough.

 

Officers stated that this would be considered as part of the wider Programme.

 

RESOLVED:              That Cabinet Committee Equalities approved the proposed Forward Work Programme 2023-24.

 

RESOLVED:                That the minutes of a meeting of the Cabinet Committee Equalities dated 23 November 2022, be approved as a true and accurate record.

 

None.

 

The Chief Officer, Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy presented a report seeking nomination of Champions from each of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees to the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting and receive these nominations.   She also sought approval of the invitees to attend meetings of the Cabinet Committee Equalities as nominated by each of the political groups represented on the Council.

 

The Chief Officer, Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy reported that to date, the following Members have been appointed by the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committees as invitees to attend meetings of the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting.  She also informed Cabinet that the Subject Overview and Scrutiny Committee 3 at its meeting on 18 July 2002 had appointed Councillor JE Pratt as its Corporate Parenting Champion.

 

The Chief Officer, Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy also reported that 10 invitees from each political group sit on the Cabinet Committee Equalities and following discussion with the Group Leaders, the following Members had been nominated:

 

Political Group                            Councillors

Labour                                          Councillor M Evans

Labour                                          Councillor P Ford

Labour                                          Councillor M Lewis

Labour                                          Councillor J Llewellyn-Hopkins

Labour                                          Councillor E Winstanley

Bridgend County Independent     Councillor A J Williams                 

Bridgend County Independent     Councillor A Berrow

Bridgend County Independent     Councillor A Wathan

Democratic Alliance                     Councillor R Penhale-Thomas

Democratic Alliance                     Councillor D M Hughes

 

RESOLVED:          That Cabinet:

 

1.   Noted and approved the Invitees for the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting as outlined in paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 and that Councillor JE Pratt was nominated by Subject Overview and Scrutiny Committee 3 as an invitee;

Approved the nominated invitees to the Cabinet Committee Equalities on the basis of 5 Labour Members, 3 Bridgend Independent Members and 2 Democratic Alliance Members, details of which are shown in paragraph 4.5 of the report.

The Chief Officer, Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy presented a report which sought approval for items to be included on the Forward Work Programme for the period 1 July to 31 October 2022 and for Cabinet to note the Council and Overview and Scrutiny Forward Work Programmes for the same period.

 

The Chief Officer, Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy informed cabinet that subsequent to the publication of the report, the Subject Overview and Scrutiny Committee 3 at its meeting on 18 July 2022 had approved items on the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Levelling Up Fund to be placed on its Forward Work Programme.    

 

RESOLVED:          That Cabinet:

 

· Approved the Cabinet Forward Work Programme for the period 1 July to 31 October 2022 at Appendix 1.

Noted the Council and Overview and Scrutiny Forward Work Programmes for the same period as above, shown at Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 of the report, respectively.

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support sought approval for the appointments of local authority governors to the school governing bodies listed at paragraph 4.1 of the report.

 

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

The Head of Shared Regulatory Services reported on an application received from the Bridgend County Hackney Association to increase the current Bridgend County Borough Council’s rate of hackney carriage fares.

 

The Head of Shared Regulatory Services informed Cabinet that the Council may fix or vary the rate of fares for the hire of a hackney carriage under the provisions of Section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976.  Any variation of the fare must be advertised in a local paper and that a period of notice of at least 14 days be given to enable any person to make objections.  She stated that the current tariff of fares had been effective since January 2019. 

 

The Head of Shared Regulatory Services reported that the application proposed increases across all tariffs together with the charge for waiting time, highlighting the economic impact on the taxi trade of the Covid-19 pandemic together with the current cost of living crisis.  In addition, the Licensing Section had received a number of enquiries from individual licensees asking whether the Council would consider a fare increase because of the cost of living/fuel crisis.  Bridgend is currently ranked at 230th of the 349 Councils setting fares.  The Head of Shared Regulatory Services informed Cabinet that should it be minded to approve the increase, it will move to the same price range as the Vale of Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire Councils.  She highlighted the cost of fuel increases since April 2019 together with rate of inflation increases and that since 2019, there had been a year-on-year decline in the number of driver and vehicle licences issued by the Council, during the pandemic.  There had been an increase in the number of drivers licensed, but this had not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

 

The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations in commending the proposal to increase hackney carriage fares, commented on the importance of taxis in the transport infrastructure of the County Borough, balancing that with the needs of residents to get to appointments, where there are inadequate or cancelled bus routes.  It was also important to consider the fare increase to deter drivers from applying for licences in neighbouring authorities when a reduction in licences being issued in Bridgend County has already been seen in 2021 and 2022. 

 

The Leader stressed the importance of recognising the cost pressures faced by licensed taxi drivers and if the Council did not increase fares it could lead to a decline in the number of drivers, impacting on services locally.  He requested that the Head of Shared Regulatory Services thank the Licensing Team and all associated with the Licensing Committee for its work.

 

RESOLVED:          That Cabinet:

  

1.   Noted the issues and impacts to taxi fares set out in the report.

2.   Approved the application put forward by the Bridgend County Hackney Association with an implementation date of 26 September 2022 (provided that there are no objections).

Authorised the advertisement of the variation in a local newspaper.  

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported on a proposal to increase to foster carer allowances, linked to the significant increases to the cost of living and sought agreement to offer all foster carers two weeks paid respite per annum, and increase foster carer allowance for 2022/23.

 

She informed Cabinet that foster carers play a significant role for the Council, providing care within a family to children and young people who cannot live at home with their birth families.  She stated there are not enough foster carers and one of the “key themes” identified within the Placement Commissioning Strategy completed in April 2021 was an insufficient number of in-house foster carers.  To address this area of concern Bridgend had engaged with regional colleagues to support recruitment of foster carers and in April 2022 entered into a Regional Front Door with Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr County Borough Councils to support one point of contact for all foster carer enquiries and initial visits.

 

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported that September 2021 saw the launch of Maethu Cymru/Foster Wales to support a national approach to the recruitment of new foster carers across all 22 Local Authorities in Wales, however this had not resulted in the increase anticipated.  She stated there was a need to recruit new foster carers, whilst retaining those the Council has currently, to ensure sufficiency of placements to safeguard children and young people.  Foster Carers in Bridgend had received an increase to their basic allowance this year of 3%, whereas the cost of living is anticipated to rise by 10% over coming months.

 

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported it was proposed to increase Fostering Allowances by 7% (in addition to the 3% already paid) to 10% for 2022/23 only, pending any recommendations from Welsh Government or further review by the service that may be undertaken in relation to changes of circumstance.  The Council would need to consider any continuation of this increase beyond this financial year in its budget setting for 2023/24 onwards.  It was also proposed to offer all foster carers two weeks (14 days) paid respite per annum.  The proposed additional 7% allowances would see an increase in budget of £201k, while the introduction of two weeks paid respite for all foster carers would cost the Council £80,186.

 

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help in commending the proposals stated that the role foster carers have is highly important and acknowledged that it is a 24 hour 7 days a week role.  She also stated it was vital that foster carers receive 2 weeks paid respite.  The Leader stated that the Cabinet Member and Director are looking at additional ways of supporting foster carers.

 

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet:

· Approved the proposal to offer all foster carers two weeks paid respite per annum, financed as indicated from within existing budget.

· Approved the proposal to increase foster carer allowances as set out in 8.2 of the report.       

The Corporate Director Communities reported on an update on work to support the Conference of Parties 2022 and to support the Council signing a Declaration to inform the Conference of Parties in 2022. 

 

The Corporate Director Communities informed Cabinet that in partnership with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the Scottish Government is leading on the ‘Edinburgh Process’, an online, global consultation with sub-national and local governments around the world on their role in the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and targets.  She stated that a key outcome of the Edinburgh Process is the Declaration, which is intended to demonstrate the commitment of subnational authorities across the world to deliver for nature over the next decade.  The biodiversity duty included in the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 is intended to support efforts to reverse the decline and secure the long-term resilience of biodiversity in Wales.  The Council had approved its Biodiversity and Ecosystems Resilience Forward Plan, 2018-2022, in 2018, contributing to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience targets.

 

The Corporate Director Communities reported that the Welsh Government had requested all local authorities in Wales consider signing the Declaration.

 

The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations in commending the proposal to sign the Declaration commented on the great amount of biodiversity work being undertaken in the Ogmore Valley in areas such as the old washery site .  The Cabinet Member Communities stated that he would be more than pleased to sign the Declaration on behalf of the Council. 

 

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet supported the signing of the Declaration to inform the Conference of Parties 2022 and authorised the Cabinet Member – Communities to sign the Declaration on behalf of the Council. 

The Corporate Director Communities commenced her submission by thanking the Planning Team for their tireless work in developing the   Replacement Local Development Plan Submission Document.

 

She reported for consideration by Cabinet the Deposit Plan Consultation Report Summary Document and the proposed submission version of the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) as amended following public consultation and sought agreement for the amended RLDP and to recommend to Council that the RLDP as amended be submitted to Welsh Government and Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) for independent examination.

 

The Corporate Director Communities reported that an up-to-date Local Development Plan (LDP) is an essential part of a plan-led planning system in Wales.  She stated that without an up to date LDP, it would become progressively difficult for the Council to focus on integrating and addressing multiple land use concerns and the local planning process would become fragmented, un-coordinated and reactive.  She informed Cabinet that the review report of the existing LDP had recognised an urgent need to address the shortfall in the housing land supply through the identification of additional housing sites, highlighted by the new housing delivery monitoring system prescribed by Welsh Government.  She informed Cabinet that whilst the existing LDP had been successful in bringing forward several (primarily brownfield) residential and mixed-use allocations, other brownfield allocations had not come forward as anticipated.  The number of remaining deliverable sites had progressively dwindled at the end of the existing plan period, resulting in lower annual dwelling completions.  She stated that the 2021 Census had revealed that the population in the County Borough is one of the fastest growing areas in Wales, having consequences for land use.

 

The Corporate Director Communities reported that since the publication of the RLDP Deposit Plan for Consultation, new information, changes to legislation, updated national planning guidance and the completion of supporting technical information had necessitated a review of the LDP evidence base.  This, together with some of the matters raised in the consultation representations meant a number of changes to the Deposit RLDP are considered necessary, the main changes being:

 

a) Removal of Housing Allocation at Parc Afon Ewenni, Bridgend – as a result of the recently published Flood Map for Planning identifying the site at being at risk of flooding;

b) Inclusion of a housing allocation at Heol Fach, North Cornelly;

c) Inclusion of site masterplans;

d) Removal of Gypsy, Traveller and Showpeople Site at Land adjacent to Bryncethin Depot;

e) Completed Strategic Transport Assessment; and

f) Updated Strategic Flood Consequence Assessment.

 

The Corporate Director Communities reported that authorisation would be sought from Council in September 2022 to submit the RLDP to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) for public examination (anticipated in early 2023).

 

The Cabinet Member Communities expressed his thanks to the Planning Team for their work over the past 4 years in delivering the RLDP.  He referred to the concerns in the increase in housing development proposed and asked if there would be a net increase in publicly accessible open spaces.  The Corporate Director Communities commented on the need for accessible green spaces and that there would be a net gain of 60 hectares of new additional accessible green space across the County Borough. 

 

The Cabinet Member Communities referred to the removal of the Parc Afon Ewenni site as a consequence of flood risk and asked what the minimum flexibility allowance would be in the LDP.  The Corporate Director Communities stated that the Parc Afon Ewenni site had been removed from the draft LDP, however Welsh Government guidance stipulated a minimum 10% flexibility allowance.  A reserve site at Heol Fach, North Cornelly had been included, bringing the flexibility allowance up to 13%.  She stated that it was very important for development to accord with the LDP.  The  development industry had been critical of the Council as it had previously focused on the delivery of larger  residential sites.  If the Heol Fach site were to be removed, the flexibility allowance would be reduced to 10% and the LDP could proceed on the basis that Cabinet had confidence in the delivery of all the sites allocated for housing.  The Leader stated that he had confidence in the deliverability of the LDP and the development of the sites allocated for housing.  The Cabinet Member Communities that he was comfortable with the 10% flexibility allowance, were the Heol Fach site to be removed. 

 

The Cabinet Member Communities sought an assurance that the green buffer would be maintained between the communities of Laleston and Bryntirion and Broadlands to prevent coalescence, notably the protection of Circus Field.  The Corporate Director Communities stated that assurances had been received there would be a visual and physical buffer with Laleston.  The Strategic Planning and Transportation Manager informed Cabinet that the Green Wedge study had concluded there was clear evidence for the retention of the green buffer.  The Leader noted that whilst the development is still proposed to go ahead, the fields which flank the road would be protected.    

 

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help referred to the considerable concern at the lack of engagement from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board in putting forward proposals for new primary care facilities in the location of the sites identified for housing allocation, given existing difficulties in accessing GP services and the merger of GP practices.  She requested that the Leader write to the Chairperson of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board requesting that they engage in the LDP process in drawing up proposals for primary care facilities.  The Corporate Director Communities stated that the Health Board believe there to be sufficient current provision of primary care and as the LDP is not an adopted plan had not yet come forward with plans for new primary care facilities.  The Planning Team had discussed making land available for new health centres.  The Strategic Planning Policy Team Leader informed Cabinet that the Health Board had been engaged at the commencement of the of the LDP process and officers will continue to engage with them.  The Leader stated that he would write to the Chief Executive and Chairperson of the Health Board requesting an update and a commitment on their plans for new primary care provision as part of the LDP process.        

 

The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations asked whether a reply had been received from the Welsh Government on the retention of farmland west of Bridgend.  The Strategic Planning and Transportation Manager informed Cabinet that a response had been signed off by the Welsh Government and that the work undertaken by officers was considered robust, given the war in Ukraine affecting the availability of agricultural land. 

 

The Cabinet Member Regeneration was pleased to see social and affordable housing allocations being accounted for in the LDP and asked what percentages of the housing allocation would be developed for such provision.  The Principal Strategic Planning Officer stated that across the Borough each site had undergone an assessment as to the mix of sites and gave certainty that each site can come forward with specified levels of affordable housing, with the exact tenure identified in the local housing market.  The percentage of affordable and social housing is 20%, with bespoke targets for each site in the RLDP.  The Leader informed Cabinet that affordable and social housing could also be delivered through Social Housing Grant and Section 106 monies.  The Leader requested clarification of the provision of 1,002 affordable homes over the life of the Plan to contribute to the wider LDP target of 1,646 affordable homes.  The Principal Strategic Planning Officer stated that 1,000 homes are from specific allocations and the remainder from sites already delivered and from windfall sites. 

 

The Leader referred to the Habitat Regulations Assessment where a plan or project is considered likely to have significant effects on European Sites and not directly connected with or necessary for the management of the site and asked whether this would affect biodiversity and the SINC review.  The Strategic Planning and Transportation Manager informed Cabinet that this was dealt in the Sustainability appraisal which confirmed  that no European sites are at detriment and a net gain would be sought through policies and which would need to be followed when applications are submitted. In terms of the SINCS there are protective measures in place. 

 

The Leader asked whether the provision of allotments sites is included in the LDP and whether outdoor sport and play facilities are also reflected in the LDP.  The Strategic Planning Policy Team Leader informed Cabinet that an allotment audit had been prepared for the LDP, which had shown a deficit of such provision within Bridgend.  The Cabinet Member Communities informed Cabinet that there is new Supplementary Guidance in place on amenity space.

 

The Leader asked how 5 new primary schools will be delivered in the LDP.  The Corporate Director Communities stated that the LDP will deliver £120m of investment into the County Borough which will include the provision of new primary schools.  The Strategic Planning Policy Team Leader informed Cabinet there is in place an Education Supplementary Planning Guidance and engagement had taken place with the Education Department on the delivery of new schools as specified in the LDP on the larger sites.  On smaller sites, a contribution would be sought from developers to fund improvements to existing schools.  Costs will be reviewed to ensure the correct costs are being levied. 

 

RESOLVED:           That Cabinet:

a) Noted the Deposit Plan Consultation Report Summary Document (Appendix 1) and agree the submission version of the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) and recommended to Council that the RLDP as set out in Appendices 2&3 (subject to the amendment at recommendation c) be submitted to Welsh Government and PEDW for independent examination.

b) Authorised the Corporate Director Communities and Group Manager - Planning & Development Services Development to make any refinements to the RLDP, supporting background papers and technical evidence required prior to reporting to Council.

c) agreed the removal of a housing allocation at Heol Fach, North Cornelly as a candidate site as it was confident that the minimum 10% flexibility allowance housing requirement could be achieved in the replacement Local Development Plan.                     

The Corporate Director Communities sought approval to allocate capital funding to Town and Community Councils to develop projects from the Town and Community Council (T&CC) Capital Grant scheme for 2022-23.

 

She reported that the Council had allocated £50,000 for 2022-23 and for subsequent years in the Capital Programme to support applications from T&CCs for capital projects.  With the decommitment of the Coity Higher project the budget available for 2022-23 is £65,002.57.  She outlined proposals received from T&CCs which sought to align with the Council’s Decarbonisation and Net-Zero 2030 agenda.  It was  proposed that applications for funding from Cornelly Community Council (£9,583) and Coychurch Higher Community Council (£5,000) be approved and that the Decarbonisation Programme Manager liaise with Maesteg Town Council to support a review of options available with the potential to revisit an application in future years.

 

The Cabinet Member Education stated the importance of plans being submitted by Town and Community Councils to bid for funding from next year’s allocation.   The Corporate Director Communities stated that a report could be submitted to the next Town and Community Councils Forum to offer support and advice to Town and Community Councils in order that they submit bids for funding under the Capital Grant Scheme in 2023-24. 

 

RESOLVED:          That Cabinet:

1.  Approved allocation of capital funding within the existing Capital Programme of £14,583.00 to Town and Community Councils (T&CC) to develop projects in line with the specific allocations detailed at 8.2 from the Town and Community Council Capital Grant Scheme;

2.  Noted that funding of £50,419.57 will be rolled forward to support projects in 2023-24;

3. Authorised officers to communicate with the T&CC listed in Table 3, section 8.4, and requested an update on proposed delivery and expenditure.  It was proposed that if Town and Community Councils respond indicating that projects are either no longer taking place or cannot be delivered within the 2022-23 financial year then funding offers are withdrawn for the specific applications listed above.  If this does happen then any funding associated will be returned to the T&CC Capital Grant Scheme and be available for future rounds of applications for new proposals;

4. Recommended that a report be submitted to the next Town and Community Councils Forum to offer support and advice to Town and Community Councils in order that they submit bids for funding under the Capital Grant Scheme in 2023-24.   

Planning Application No.                 Site                             Speakers

 

 P/18/520/FUL               Rockwool, Wern Tarw           E Crowley, Objector

                                                                                     D.Matthews Managing

                                                                                      Director Rockwool            

 P/18/429/FUL               31, Prince Road,                   Cllr J Gebbie, Objector

                                      Kenfig Hill                              G Collett, Objector

                                                                                    A Ireland, Site agent

RESOLVED:                That the summary of Development Control Committee Guidance as detailed in the report, be noted.

That the Chairperson accepted the Development Control Committee Amendment Sheet as an urgent item, in accordance with Part 4 (paragraph 4) of the Council Procedure Rules, in order to allow for Committee to consider necessary modifications to the Committee Report, so as to take account of late representations and revisions that require to be accommodated.

RESOLVED:                That the Minutes of a meeting of the Development Control Committee dated 19 July 2018, be approved as a true and accurate record.

RESOLVED:                That a date of Wednesday 10 October 2018 be confirmed for any proposed site inspections arising at the meeting, or identified in advance of the next Committee meeting by the Chairperson.

None.

 

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 was excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as they contained exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12 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 items in private, with the public excluded from the meeting, as it was considered that in all the circumstances relating to the item, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information, because the information would be prejudicial to the applicant so mentioned.

There were no urgent matters. 

The Licensing Policy Officer presented a report setting out the proposed arrangements for the authorisation of officers under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005 and confirming arrangements for the formation of sub-committees following the Annual Meeting of Council 2022.

 

The Licensing Policy Officer explained that in the interests of effective performance it was proposed to delegate the responsibility for authorising officers to administer the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and

Gambling Act 2005, to the Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy and for the Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy to institute proceedings under those Acts. It was also proposed that, where appropriate, the Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy, the Team Manager Licensing (Bridgend and Vale), the Senior Licensing Officer (Technical), Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer and Licensing Policy Officer be authorised to acknowledge and issue Notices relating to Temporary Event Notices; to issue, refuse, suspend licences, registrations, certificates, permits and notices, to implement the relevant provisions in respect of offences, reviews or other requirements; pursuant to any of the rules,

regulations and/or Orders made under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005 (as amended). The authorisation in respect of the licensing officers would only take effect when they were made available to Bridgend County Borough Council in accordance with section 113 of the Local Government Act 1972. The Committee was asked to approve the existing arrangement of the formation of further Sub-Committees consisting of three Members of the Licensing Act 2003 Committee to determine applications under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005. It was proposed that the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committees be chaired by the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of the Licensing Act 2003 Committee where possible. In the event that the Chair or Vice Chair were not able to attend, a chairperson would be elected.

 

RESOLVED:          The Committee exercised its delegated authority and:

 

1.       authorised the Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy to institute proceedings under the above-mentioned Acts.

2.       authorised the Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy, the Team Manager Licensing (Bridgend and Vale), the Senior Licensing Officer (Technical), Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer, and Licensing Policy Officer to acknowledge and issue Notices relating to Temporary Event Notices; to issue, refuse, suspend licences, registrations, certificates, permits and notices, to implement the relevant provisions in respect of offences, reviews or other requirements; pursuant to any of the rules, regulations and/or Orders made under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005 (as amended).

3.         approved the arrangements for the formation of Sub-Committees set out in paragraph 4.3 of the report.

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar presented a report, in order to advise the Joint Committee on Coychurch Crematorium’s successful application for a Green Flag Award in 2022.

 

By way of background, she explained that the Green Flag Award is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. It was launched in 1996 to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country. The first national award was introduced in 1997 and it continues to identify the high standards against which parks and green spaces are measured. It is also seen as a way of encouraging organisations to achieve high environmental standards, setting a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas.

 

Coychurch Crematorium received its first award in 2010 and annually thereafter to the present date.

 

A re-submission for the Green Flag Award was made in January 2022 and awards were announced on 11th July 2022, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar confirmed.

 

The Crematorium had once again been successful in securing this nationally recognised award for the standards of care and maintenance of the site and grounds. The award confirms the commitment to maintaining high standards, which can be appreciated by all visitors.

 

She was pleased to say therefore, that Coychurch is flying its Green Flag for the thirteenth year in succession.

 

The Chairperson of the Coychurch Crematorium Joint Committee and the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar normally collect the Green Flag Award at a ceremony but the Green Flag Award organisers will not hold an award ceremony this year. Instead, the Green Flag and certificate will be delivered directly to Coychurch Crematorium.

 

On 27 July 2022 Bridgend County Borough Council issued a press release to advise the public of the Green Flag Award successes, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to the report.

 

The award requires an annual application and a further submission will be made in January 2023, concluded the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar.

 

RESOLVED:                                  That the Joint Committee noted the report with pleasure and congratulated the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar and her staff for once more achieving this award.

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar presented a report, the purpose of which, was to obtain the Joint Committee’s nominations and approval of organisations to receive charitable funding from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) scheme for the recovery of metals arising from cremations and to update the Joint Committee on charity donations made by Coychurch Crematorium.

 

She advised that Coychurch Crematorium participates in a national scheme for the Recycling of Metals, which are derived from the cremation process. Any surplus monies after deduction of costs from the sale of metals are then distributed to charities associated with bereavement services, via the ICCM.

 

Paragraph 3.2 of the report, gave some examples of charities where such monies had been contributed to previously.

 

The nomination of charities to benefit from funding accrued from the sale of metals is presented periodically to the Joint Committee for consideration to ensure even distribution of the funding. The Crematorium receives a request from the ICCM to nominate a charity approximately every six months.

 

In order to ensure that a wide range of local charities receive funding an updated list of organisations was listed in paragraph 4.2 of the report, for the Joint Committee’s consideration. These charities have approached the Crematorium for funding. Only one charity can be nominated each time, the Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar added.

 

A Member felt that a charity for young people called Eye to Eye that supported schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf should be given a donation. The last donation given to this organisation was in 2015. This suggestion was supported by Members.

 

It was also suggested and agreed that the Alzheimer’s Society also be donated to and that this be first on the list with Eye to Eye being second, then the remainder as listed in the report, being nominated in the order they were shown.

 

RESOLVED:                                 (1)  That the Joint Committee noted the charitable donations made by Coychurch Crematorium.

 

(2)  The Joint Committee agreed to nominate and support the list of suitable charities, for submission for funding from the National Recycling of Metals Scheme in the order shown in the report, following firstly the nomination of the Alzheimer’s Society charity and Eye to Eye (in that order).

The Treasurer submitted a report, the purpose of which, was to inform the Joint Committee of the details of the income and expenditure for the first six months of the 2022-23 financial year and give a projection of the final outturn, as well as to provide an update to the Joint Committee in relation to the Annual Accounting Statement 2021-22.

 

By way of background information, the Finance Manager, Financial Control, Closing and Accounting Systems, confirmed that the 2022-23 Revenue Budget was approved by the Joint Committee at its meeting on 4 March 2022. The current budget position and projected outturn for 2022-23 was shown in paragraph 4.1 of the report.

 

She referred Members to paragraph 4.1 of the report and Table 1, which contained details of income and expenditure for the period April to September 2022, together with the projected outturn for the financial year.

 

This Table showed a projected deficit of £941,000 for the 2022-23 financial year, which is in line with the deficit approved by the Joint Committee on 4 March 2022 and is as a result of additional budget being approved for capital works for the Flower Court extension. An explanation of the variances between the budget and projected outturn were further detailed in this section of the report.

 

Table 2 in paragraph 4.2, gave a breakdown of the Capital Financing budget for 2022-23, along with the expenditure for the period April to September 2022 and projected outturn for the financial year. An additional budget of £719,957 was agreed to fund the increased costs for the Flower Court extension at the Joint Committee meeting on 15 July 2022, increasing this budget to £1.270 million, added the Finance Manager – Financial Control,  Closing and Accounting Systems.

 

The Annual Return for 2021-22 (at Appendix 1 of the report) was submitted to Audit Wales at the end of July 2022, showing a surplus of £280,724 for the year and an accumulated balance of £3,179,607 at 31 March 2022.

 

She advised that Audit Wales had now confirmed that the Return has been audited with no amendments required (Appendix 2 referred).

 

The Finance Manager – Financial Control, Closing and Accounting Systems finally added, that a copy of the certified Return will be made available at the Crematorium and electronically on Bridgend County Borough Council’s website.

 

A Member referred to the top of page 29 of the report, where it made reference to a projected increase in Bridgend County Borough Council Contribution of £3,000 relating to increased staffing costs recharged to the Council’s Cemeteries service. He asked for some clarification as to what this was.

 

The Bereavement Services Manager and Registrar confirmed that this was a percentage of salary of a member of staff that had been placed from the Cemeteries Department of the Communities Directorate to the Crematorium, therefore some of the post’s salary was re-charged to that Department. 

 

RESOLVED:                                   That the Joint Committee noted the Revenue Monitoring Statement April to September for 2022-23 and the position in relation to the Annual Accounting Statement 2021-22.

RESOLVED:                               That the minutes of a meeting of the Coychurch Crematorium Joint Committee dated 15 July 2022, be approved as a true and accurate record.

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 if contained exempt information as defined in Paragraph 12 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 the circumstances relating to the item, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information, because the information would be prejudicial to the applicant so mentioned.