Venue: Hybrid meeting - Zoom - County Hall. View directions
Contact: Stephen Boyd 01597 826374
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Apologies To receive apologies for absence. Additional documents: |
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To authorise the Chair to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2022 as a correct record. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 8th December 2022 as a correct record. |
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Declarations of Interest To receive any declarations of interest from Members relating to items to be considered on the agenda. Additional documents: Minutes: County Councillor Lucy Roberts declared a pecuniary interest in item 10 on the agenda in respect of the senior salary for the Chair of the Employment and Appeals Committee.
Council gave consent for the Professional Lead Employment Services, the Scrutiny Manager, the Cabinet Manager and the translator to remain in the meeting during consideration of the Pay Policy Statement to assist in the running of the meeting. |
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Chair's Announcements To receive any announcements from the Chair of Council. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair congratulated Councillor Danny Bebb on the birth of his son. He advised that he had given two Silver Kite awards to Powys residents. |
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Leader's Announcements To receive any announcements from the Leader. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader gave an outline of some of the work which had been going on in addition to the work to produce the budget. A Child Poverty Task Conference chaired by the Deputy Leader, County Councillor Matthew Dorrance, had taken place on 8th February. Julie Morgan MS the Deputy Minister for Social Services had visited the new family centre in Newtown on 17th February. The Leader further advised that a 26 flat complex would be opening in Newtown the following week, adding to the Council’s social housing stock. He also advised Council that military veterans would be guaranteed job interviews.
The Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation advised that the Business Rates Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief scheme was being extended to 2023-24 by Welsh Government. Cabinet would be considering the scheme on 7th March and, subject to approval, applications could be made from 8th March. Details were available on the Council’s website and businesses were being encouraged to apply.
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Chief Executive's Briefing To receive a briefing from the Chief Executive. Additional documents: Minutes: Details would be circulated by email. |
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Public Questions Additional documents: |
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Question to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation from Mike Hall PDF 87 KB Can you tell me what all the spending budgets have been from 2010 to present and what services have been cut? You can include + or - percentages if that helps and could include council tax rises to give a rounded view of the question.
Additional documents: Minutes: Can you tell me what all the spending budgets have been from 2010 to present and what services have been cut? You can include + or - percentages if that helps and could include council tax rises to give a rounded view of the question.
RESPONSE
There was no supplementary question.
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How, at time when the council is struggling to cover its statutory obligations, does the council justify spending £300,000 of tax payers money on “reimagining” the council? The public want services not snappy catch phrases which mean nothing.
Additional documents: Minutes: How, at time when the council is struggling to cover its statutory obligations, does the council justify spending £300,000 of tax payers money on “reimagining” the council? The public want services not snappy catch phrases which mean nothing.
Response Growing financial and workforce pressures are having an impact on the ability of public services to meet the needs of the population. A radical transformation of Powys County Council is needed, making use of a reduced number of assets across the County, breaking down silos between services and reducing fragmentation in service delivery.
We must become more effective, perform better and be more connected to the population we serve.
We need to reimagine Powys County Council in 2025, the type and volume of services that we can offer to put the organisation on a more sustainable footing, moving away from annual service cuts.
There is no doubt the organisation will be smaller and more efficient using technology where appropriate to improve service delivery. It will need to hold less assets whilst providing accessible services across community areas.
Once we have identified the type and volume of service that the Council will provide, we will ensure it is of quality whilst also being the best value option for the people of Powys.
It is for these reasons it is felt necessary to use the COVID recovery fund to put in the temporary additional capacity. This will mean the appointment, into temporary roles, to programme manage, support and cost the future Council.
There was no supplementary question.
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Question to the Cabinet Member for a Connected Powys from James Holloway PDF 71 KB Is Powys County Council supportive of Land based Wind Turbine Farms and if so has the Council considered the means i.e. infrastructure required to convey the energy to the National Grid?
Additional documents: Minutes: Is Powys County Council supportive of Land based Wind Turbine Farms and if so has the Council considered the means i.e. infrastructure required to convey the energy to the National Grid?
Response
Powys County Council has declared climate and nature emergencies and has just adopted its stronger fairer greener corporate plan in which our collective responsibilities in meeting the nett zero target by 2030 and commitments to the natural environment run through like a golden thread. The Council is therefore supportive of the principle of generating renewable and low carbon energy to meet future energy needs in line with Welsh Government’s renewable energy targets. This will include onshore wind as part of a range of renewable solutions. Where wind farm or transmission infrastructure proposals come forward for the Authority’s consideration or determination, these will be considered on their own merits in accordance with relevant planning policies and material considerations.
Mr Holloway’s supplementary question was “When it comes to conveying energy to the National Grid will Powys County Council oppose overhead transmission?”
Response I would like to thank James Holloway for his supplementary question as it allows me to expand on what I have already said.
As a Local Planning Authority, Powys Council is bound to consider proposals for energy transmission on an individual basis, based on relevant national and local planning policies, and all other material planning considerations. In respect of Development Proposals of National Significance, these will be referred for consideration to the Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change, Julie James and not fall to Powys for determination, although officers will be asked to prepare a Local Impact Report on any such proposals.
Let us be clear, the climate crisis is bearing down on us all and swift and decisive action is needed. The Council recognises that a more sustainable future for Powys communities requires us to deliver on our nett Zero and nature recovery targets and to help individuals and communities to make more informed choices, offering greater energy security and transitioning to a point where we are all less reliant on imported fossil fuels. The Welsh Government and Powys Council recognise that in the short to medium, term onshore wind energy will form part of our energy mix.
In much the same way that supplying our homes and communities with the necessary capacity to heat our buildings, and charge our cars using green electricity, will require the need for new and upgraded transmission infrastructure, so will new energy projects. All such developments will need to demonstrate nett biodiversity gain and mitigate visual harm, especially in areas of high landscape value, with this infrastructure being placed underground where practicable. In any event, I shall be calling upon developers to hold meaningful consultations with communities to explain their proposals alongside the costs and benefits of helping us to decarbonise our energy supply chain and how Powys Communities can benefit from our wind resource.
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Question to the Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys from David Balmer-Cribb PDF 74 KB What progress has the PCC made in reviewing the
Leisure Centres in the County and putting in place a plan to
improve facilities and ensure their long-term future? Leisure
Centres are right at the heart of remote communities providing
education, social interaction and wellbeing. As part of this
question, I refer to the review promised in December
2022.
Additional documents: Minutes: What progress has the PCC made in reviewing the
Leisure Centres in the County and putting in place a plan to
improve facilities and ensure their long-term future? Leisure
Centres are right at the heart of remote communities providing
education, social interaction and wellbeing. As part of this
question, I refer to the review promised in December
2022. Response The planning stages of the comprehensive Leisure Review has commenced, with draft Terms of Reference for the Project Group established. The ToR will be considered by a Scrutiny Working Group, due to be established within coming weeks. The Leisure Review will have a number of officers who will make up a project board and will -
The purpose/outcome of the review is to - determine the long-term, sustainability of leisure provision in Powys and ensure fit for purpose facilities for communities in the future - which will support, contribute and align to the Corporate Plan’s objectives, outcomes and priorities. It is also intended that a full public engagement exercise is undertaken over coming months, with details of how to contribute to this being available shortly. The timescale for the project is expected to last for around seven months with options / recommendations presented to Cabinet. Further consultation will then be undertaken with all interested parties and stakeholders.
There was no supplementary question. |
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Council Tax Resolution for 2023/24 PDF 379 KB To approve the Council Tax resolution and set the Council Tax for 2023/24. Additional documents: Minutes: Council considered the Council Tax resolution for 2023/24. It was moved by County Councillor Jake Berriman and seconded by County Councillor Sandra Davies and by 48 votes to 3 with 11 abstentions it was
RESOLVED 1. THAT the amounts contained in paragraph 3.1 in the report be accepted by the Council for the year 2023/2024 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.
2. THAT, the Council in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992, hereby sets the amounts contained in paragraph 3.3 as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2023/2024 for each of the categories of dwellings shown.
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Pay Policy Statement for 2023/24 PDF 106 KB To consider the pay policy statement for 2023/24. Additional documents: Minutes: Council gave consent for the Professional Lead Employment Services, the Scrutiny Manager, the Cabinet Manager and the translator to remain in the meeting to assist in its running. All other officers left the meeting while the item was being considered.
Council considered the Pay Policy Statement setting out the Council’s arrangements for the pay and remuneration of its employees for financial year 2023/24.
It was moved by County Councillor Jake Berriman and seconded by County Councillor David Thomas and by 62 votes to 1 it was
RESOLVED to approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2023/24.
Officers returned to the meeting.
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To consider the report of the Head of Legal Services and the Monitoring Officer. Additional documents: Minutes: Council considered the recommendations of the Democratic Services Committee on revisions to the structure of the Scrutiny Committees and the number of seats on committees. Political Group Leaders had asked for the numbers of seats on committees to be reviewed following the reduction in numbers of Members in May 2022 from 73 to 68.
Democratic Services Committee had recommended no change to the Pensions and Investment Committee, the Governance and Audit Committee and the Finance Panel. It was moved by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan and seconded by County Councillor Matthew Dorrance and unanimously
RESOLVED (1) that there is no change to the following committees: · Pensions and Investment Committee · Governance and Audit Committee · Finance Panel.
Recommendations 2, 3 and 4 to reduce the number of members on Scrutiny Committee to 11 were moved by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan and seconded by County Councillor Gareth Morgan. A number of members spoke against the recommendation arguing that having more members provided greater diversity of opinion. It was moved by County Councillor Aled Davies and seconded by County Councillor Iain McIntosh to refer recommendations 2 – 11 back to Democratic Services Committee for consideration in 12 months time. This was lost by 28 votes to 31 with 4 abstentions.
Council voted on Recommendations 2, 3 and 4 to reduce the number of members on Scrutiny Committee to 11 and by 34 votes to 28 with 2 abstentions it was
RESOLVED
(2) that the numbers of seats on all three scrutiny committees should be reduced to 11 Members, (plus the addition of co-opted Members where required).
(3) that the Head of Legal Services and the Monitoring Officer prepare revisions to Section 7 of the Constitution to reflect the decision in recommendation 2 above.
(4) that the Head of Legal Services and the Monitoring Officer monitor attendance by Members at scrutiny meetings. Recommendations 5, 6 and 7 to reduce the number of members on the Democratic Services Committee, the Employment and Appeals Committee and the Licensing Act 2003 Committee were moved by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan and seconded by County Councillor Gareth Morgan, and by 34 votes to 27 with 3 abstentions it was
RESOLVED
(5) that the numbers of members on Other Committees (Democratic Services Committee; Employment and Appeals Committee; Licensing Act 2003 Committee) be reduced to 11 Members.
(6) that the Head of Legal Services and the Monitoring Officer prepare revisions to Section 9 of the Constitution to reflect the decision in recommendation 5 above.
(7) that the Head of Legal Services and the Monitoring Officer monitor attendance by Members at scrutiny meetings.
Recommendations 8 and 9 to reduce the number of members on the Planning, Taxi Licensing and Rights of Way Committee to 17 members were moved by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan and seconded by County Councillor Jake Berriman, and by 34 votes to 28 with 2 abstentions it was
RESOLVED
(8) that the numbers of seats on the Planning, Taxi Licensing and Rights of Way Committee be reduced to 17 Members.
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Appointment to the Foster Panel To appoint a member to the Foster Panel. Additional documents: Minutes: County Councillor Amanda Jenner who was stepping down from her role on the Foster Panel was thanked for all her work by County Councillor Sue McNicholas, the joint Cabinet Member for Future Generations. County Councillor Liz Rijnenberg was nominated by County Councillor Matthew Dorrance and seconded by Councillor Huw Williams.
RESOLVED that County Councillor Liz Rijnenberg be appointed to the Foster Panel.
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Notice of Motion CYNNIG IAITH 2023 / 2023 LANGUAGE PROPOSAL The results of the recent Census have revealed the desperate need to act immediately and comprehensively in relation to the Welsh language in Powys. We have heard much about environmental sustainability and the need for action, well the same is true of our Welsh communities.
Between 2011 and 2021 Powys lost over 2,600 Welsh speakers, and the percentage is now down to 16%. This also includes a fall of 1,864 in the number of children 3-15 years of age who can speak Welsh.
Powys is the only County during recent years, where a lower percentage had access to Welsh education than the percentage of Welsh speakers in the community. It’s no surprise therefore that we are seeing figures decline every decade.
Of course there are a number of reasons for the decline: economic weakness; a change in the agricultural pattern with less people working on the land, which is traditionally is the sector with a high percentage of Welsh speakers; young people moving from the area, and older people moving in; overdevelopment of houses in some communities which do not truly reflect those communities; but also the historical lack of action by Powys county council in favour of the Welsh language, and the lack of status afforded the language and Welsh education. That is why we need to promote the economic foundation and have a development body similar to the old Development Board for Rural Wales.
If sustainability is to mean anything, and if we want to change the situation by the next Census, then we must act now. Don’t think that Powys is alone in this situation; traditional communities or other historically linguistic communities across Europe have faced similar challenges, and there are lessons to be learned, especially from the Basque country in respect of the language and the economy. We must do this with a package of actions which include – Therefore the Council would like to -
· Accept the principle that the Welsh language belongs to every part of Powys
· Support the call for a rural economic development agency
· Call on the Welsh Government to extend the ARFOR scheme (a linguistic economic scheme worth £11m in West Wales) to Montgomeryshire to promote the Welsh language and the economy
· Learn lessons and transfer knowledge of best practice of what has happened in ANDOAIN in the Basque country by intertwining economic activity and language. Focus will be on how Powys can learn and benefit sustainable Welsh speaking communities.
· Support the development of a cultural tourism plan making the most of the wealth of history in the county such as Sycharth, Brynglas, Cilmeri, Canolfan Glynd?r etc, ensuring that Powys is as much part of the future as the past. This ... view the full agenda text for item 12. Additional documents: Minutes: Council considered the following motion proposed by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan and seconded by County Councillor Bryn Davies:
“The results of the recent Census have revealed the desperate need to act immediately and comprehensively in relation to the Welsh language in Powys. We have heard much about environmental sustainability and the need for action, well the same is true of our Welsh communities.
Between 2011 and 2021 Powys lost over 2,600 Welsh speakers, and the percentage is now down to 16%. This also includes a fall of 1,864 in the number of children 3-15 years of age who can speak Welsh.
Powys is the only County during recent years, where a lower percentage had access to Welsh education than the percentage of Welsh speakers in the community. It’s no surprise therefore that we are seeing figures decline every decade.
Of course there are a number of reasons for the decline: economic weakness; a change in the agricultural pattern with less people working on the land, which is traditionally is the sector with a high percentage of Welsh speakers; young people moving from the area, and older people moving in; overdevelopment of houses in some communities which do not truly reflect those communities; but also the historical lack of action by Powys county council in favour of the Welsh language, and the lack of status afforded the langage and Welsh education. That is why we need to promote the economic foundation and have a development body similar to the old Development Board for Rural Wales.
If sustainability is to mean anything, and if we want to change the situation by the next Census, then we must act now. Don’t think that Powys is alone in this situation; traditional communities or other historically linguistic communities across Europe have faced similar challenges, and there are lessons to be learned, especially from the Basque country in respect of the language and the economy. We must do this with a package of actions which include – Therefore the Council would like to - · Accept the principle that the Welsh language belongs to every part of Powys · Support the call for a rural economic development agency · Call on the Welsh Government to extend the ARFOR scheme (a linguistic economic scheme worth £11m in West Wales) to Montgomeryshire to promote the Welsh language and the economy · Learn lessons and mirror what has happened in ANDOAIN in the Basque country by intertwining economic activity and language by creating an enterprise space, which there is called Kulturparkea · Support the development of a cultural tourism plan making the most of the wealth of history in the county such as Sycharth, Brynglas, Cilmeri, Canolfan Glynd?r etc, ensuring that Powys is as much part of the future as the past. · Ensure sustainability for the Welsh language to be an integral part of the new Local Development Plan · Ensure that commercial signs are bilingual throughout the County in the New Development Plan · Set an aim of increasing the percentage of fluent Welsh ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |