Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room A - County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, Powys. View directions

Items
No. Item

33.

Apologies

To receive apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were accepted from Councillors J Gibson-Watt and C Mills.

 

34.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 78 KB

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 2nd August 2017.

Minutes:

The Chairman was authorised to sign the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 2nd August 2017.  During discussion and update particular reference was made in relation to:

 

a.      Workshops – a confidential brief had been provided for members and could be issued on request by the clerk.  The headline figures being that the Council has 170 workshop sites and occupancy is typically around 90%.  Members welcomed the update and requested a more detailed discussion at the next meeting when the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration would be attending for an update and question and answer slot

b.      Llandrindod Town – it was felt by members that very visible areas of Llandrindod could be improved (prominent buildings and areas visible on entry to the town).  The local member for Llandrindod north (Councillor Gary Price) reported that the matter had been discussed by the town council and links had been made with the Welsh Government.  The Authority had issued Section 215 notices to relevant building owners which would remind them of their duty to maintain the sites they own.  The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning (Councillor Weale) reported that he recognised the wider impact of the condition of properties and had been discussing the condition and use of the auto-palace with the owner

c.      Elan Valley Works (Nantmel) – members were shown pictures of the Nantmel works site and it was noted that there had been an event held yesterday when the borer had broken through the surface.  There had been works at Bleddfa and there would be future works at Knighton as part of a programme to refurbish connections to the network from the Elan Valley dam.  Severn Trent Water had engaged well with communities

35.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive announcements from the Chairman.

Minutes:

The Chairman reported on the following:

 

a.         Garden Awards – members were encouraged to stay after the meeting for the annual garden award presentations

b.         Waste Awareness Training – members were welcome to attend waste awareness training which would be held in the afternoon

c.         Knighton Hospital – the Chairman had attended the opening of a new family suite which had been funded by the friends of the hospital. The suite would be available for the families of those receiving palliative care

d.         Queen’s Baton Relay – there had been an event held at Rhayader town.  Members expressed concern regarding the absence of media coverage.  The event was very significant and the baton was being taken around the UK as part of a ceremony to support the pending Commonwealth games.  Members and the Portfolio Holder agreed that the Council’s communications department could not have done any more to help publicise and promote.  There had been twitter feeds, website updates etc. The Portfolio Holder would review actions taken.   It was felt by members that media coverage in general for Powys events was poor.  The Authority has no control over what is reported, however, good links are important.  There are a number of high profile events staged in Powys and publicity is important.   It was agreed to write to media organisations to remind them of the importance of good media coverage for Powys events.  Members and residents could help in publicising and promoting events using social media

36.

Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of interests from members in relation to matters on the agenda.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest from members in respect of items to be discussed on the agenda.

37.

Radnorshire Roller (Aveling EP3339) and Living Van (10.10 - 10.20)

To receive an update and discuss options for the future storage and upkeep of the Radnorshrie roller (EP3339) and Living Van.

Minutes:

It was agreed to discuss the matter in more depth at the next meeting.

38.

Policing in Radnorshire (10.20 - 11.00)

To receive an update in relation to local policing activity and discuss policing matters – Brian Jones, Inspector – Dyfed Powys Police.

Minutes:

Members welcomed Inspector Brian Jones, Dyfed-Powys Police to the meeting for this item of business.  During update and discussion particular reference was made to:

 

a.         Inspector Jones – the inspector informed members that he was from a farming family, had worked and lived locally for years and was very aware of the ways of rural life.  This local knowledge would help in understanding issues.  Inspector Jones is the partnership link within the force

b.         Local Links – Inspector Andrew Pitt would shortly be taking over from Brian as the Radnorshire link for members. Andrew views linking with members as important

c.         Police and Crime Delivery Plan 2017 – 2021 – priorities for the police are set out in the police and crime delivery plan.  The plan places a greater emphasis on engaging with communities.  Links with members and Radnorshire to consider local issues would be valuable

d.         Recruitment – recruitment had been an issue and there had been a review of positions and the structure.  The current position being that there’s a full complement of staff in positons for the Dyfed-Powys area

e.         Crime Rates – there’s an annual seasonal crime peak in July where there are usually increases in thefts in order to fund substance misuse

f.          Rural Crime/Theft – there are designated rural operations which focus on rural crime i.e. theft of livestock and machinery.  There are good links between the force and the Authority’s Trading Standards department

g.         Designated Operations – there are a number of focused police operations which are identified by operation name

h.         Boy Racing – members were informed that the police had been successful in removing three driving licences from local boy racers within the last 12 months

i.           101calling 101 works well and can link residents with named contacts quickly.  Calling 101 also allows for more detailed information regarding officer movements to be provided i.e. if officers are on leave and not expected in that information can be helpful to callers

j.           Local Input – information and intelligence provided by members and the public is very valuable

k.         Intelligence Gathering/Arrests – the police often rely on having to use intelligence gathered over a period of time before they are able to act and arrest.  It can sometimes seem as if the police are not acting quickly, however, more often than not they are working on gathering information to support making arrests

l.           Cyber Crime – there are changing patterns to crime. A significant amount of crime is carried out using the internet and is not visible.  Monitoring of internet based crime is a matter for HQ in London

 

Members thanked Inspector Jones for his update and agreed that links with the shire and police are important.

 

39.

Severn Trent Water - Payment Schemes (11.00 - 11.15)

To receive an update in relation to schemes for water payments – Katie Wood, Severn Trent Water

Minutes:

Katie Wood, Customer Relations, Severn Trent Water attended the meeting for this item of business.  During discussion and update particular reference was made to:

 

a.         Payment Schemes – there are a number of payment schemes and funds to support those in financial hardship who are finding it difficult to meet water costs

b.         Engagement – Severn Trent view engagement with communities as very important

c.         Water Meters – there are around 3 million dwellings connected to Severn Trent water and around a third of those have water meters fitted.  Meters had proven positive in terms of residents paying for what they actually use as opposed to being charged on fixed rates regardless of use.  Meter installation is free and removal can be arranged, however, it could take up to 24mths for the removal to take place

d.         Rateable Value – water supply costs are based on the rateable value of dwellings.  The value was set a number of years ago and can be challenged (there’s an application process for re-assessment)

e.         Dolly (Community Information Van) – in an attempt to advise communities of the support available through Severn Trent to help with payment management a van loaded with information named Dolly could visit communities upon request.  Katie would encourage members to contact her with details of local events so that she could arrange visits

f.          Public Conveniences – a member queried the operation of public conveniences and whether there would be benefits from operating meters at sites

 

Members thanked Katie for attending.

40.

Reports from and Questions to Cabinet Portfolio Holders (11.15 - 12.15)

a.         Councillor Liam Fitzpatrick – Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Highways

b.         Councillor James Evans – Cabinet Portfolio Holder: HR, Communications and IT

Minutes:

 

Members welcomed the opportunity to receive reports from, and to put questions to, Cabinet Portfolio Holders.

 

Councillor Liam Fitzpatrick – Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Highways

 

a.         Savings / Budget Cuts – the services with the portfolio are very visible to the public.  There had been cuts in recent years which had removed 53.4% to the operating budget

b.         Depots – there are two depots in Radnorshire (Penybont and Llangammarch).  The Portfolio Holder would welcome members meeting with operatives and in viewing operations.  Members would be welcome to approach the depot with a view to taking part in activities i.e. waste collections

c.         Income Generation – there’s potential to provide services in order to bring in income

d.         Apprentice Schemes – nine apprentice positions had been offered

e.         Car Parking – members were urged to respond to the car parking report proposal which would be considered by Cabinet in October.  Views from members to help shape options for consideration would be very important. Income from car parking charges supports the provision of public transport.  Members would welcome pre-scrutiny consideration of proposals for car parking prior to a Cabinet decision or discussion.  The Portfolio Holder agreed to discuss scrutiny arrangements with the Democratic Services Manager (Wyn Richards)

f.          Scrutiny Function – during discussion members agreed the importance of pre-scrutiny input especially in relation to matters being considered by Cabinet for determination

g.         Grass Cutting – Cabinet would be considering options including providing the service in-house

h.         Traffic Regulation Orders – Cabinet would lift the moratorium on TROs in respect of speeding traffic and traffic calming measures. The moratorium had been in place since 2008

i.           Engaging with Members and their Communities – the portfolio holder would welcome engagement and input from communities regarding ideas and opportunities for their areas

 

Councillor James Evans – Cabinet Portfolio Holder: HR, Communications and ICT

 

a.         Radnorshire Young Farmers Club – the last time the Portfolio Holder attended a Radnorshire committee meeting had been as a young farmer which was years ago

b.         Recruitment and Retention – there are recognised recruitment and retention issues that would be addressed. There would be a period of targeted recruitment to look to appoint to vacant positions.  Members welcomed targeting and for the area of recruitment and retention to be recognised.  There are wider considerations that would extend across the Council in terms of making Powys a place that people would want to live and work in i.e. sports, leisure facilities, supporting local businesses

c.         Apprentice Schemes / Careers Fair – there’s a drive to operate more apprentice schemes. Last year’s Powys Careers Fair was very popular, there would be a 2018 fair

d.         Health and Safety – there are four health and safety advisors and a secondment of a team member to the health board.  There had been a review of towered housing in response to the Grenfell Tower incident.  Dwellings meet safety standards

e.         Welsh Community Care Information System (WCCIS) – the system went live in April and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

41.

Reports from and Questions to Members Serving on Outside Bodies (12.15 - 12.30) pdf icon PDF 34 KB

a.         To appoint members to serve on outside bodies

b.         To receive reports back and to put questions to members serving on outside bodies

Minutes:

Members welcomed the opportunity to receive reports from, and to put questions to, member serving on outside bodies. 

 

Members appointed to the following positions:

 

Group

 

Shire Representative

Local Development Plan Working Group

Hywel Lewis and David Evans

Tenants Liaison Forum

Jonathan Williams

Llandrindod Areas Twinning Society

Pete Roberts

Brecon and Radnor Sports Partnership

Gary Price

Powys Community Endowment Fund

Michael Jones and Maureen MacKenzie

Powys Community Health Council

Peter Roberts and James Gibson-Watt

Powys Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education

Ang Williams

Sportslot Community Chest

Gary Price

Wyeside Board of Trustees

Maureen MacKenzie

 

 

42.

Date of Next Meeting

To note the date for the next meeting – 15th November 2017.

Minutes:

It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday 15th November 2017 and would, if possible, be held at the Powys Archives and Information Unit, Ddole Road. 

 

43.

Garden Awards (12.30 - 13.30)

Presentation of annual garden awards.

Minutes:

Members attended the annual garden awards ceremony. The standard of entries this year, again, had been very high.