Agenda and draft minutes

To authorise the Chair to sign the minutes of the meetings held on 7^th December 2023, 24^th January 2024 and 25^th Janaury 2024 as correct records.

The Chair was authorised to sign the minutes of the meetings held on 7^th December 2023, 24^th January 2024 and 25^th January 2024 as correct records subject to the inclusion of Councillor Chloe Masefield in the list of members present on 7^th December.

To receive apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members relating to items to be considered on the agenda.

County Councillor Sandra Davies declared an interest in item 13 Notice of Motion - Seeking a technical evaluation of undergrounding power cables from energy parks.

County Councillors Angela Davies, Jeremy Pugh, Gwynfor Thomas, James Gibson-Watt, Aled Davies, Pete Lewington, Bryan Davies, Ian Harrison, Gareth D Jones, Graham Breeze, Jake Berriman, Karl Lewis and Arwel Jones declared interests in item 14 Notice of Motion - School Holidays.

County Councillors Ed Jones, Bryn Davies, Danny Bebb, Angela Davies, Gareth E Jones, Gwynfor Thomas, David Thomas, William Powell, Aled Davies, Peter Lewis, Edwin Roderick, Pete Lewington, Arwel Jones, Bryan Davies, Ian Harrison, Gareth D Jones, Graham Breeze, Kelly Healy, Glyn Preston, Jake Berriman, Les George, Karl Lewis, Adam Kennerley, Elwyn Vaughan, Gareth Pugh and Adrian Jones declared interests in Item 16 Notice of Motion – Sustainable Farms. 

The Monitoring Officer confirmed that the Standards Committee would be asked to look at the issue of declaring interests on farming matters.

To receive any announcements from the Chair of Council.

The Chair expressed her sympathy for the family of Ieuan Williams who had passed away. Mr Williams had been a County Councillor representing Brecon from 1986 to 1996.

She reported that she had taken part in a tree planting ceremony in Newtown to commemorate the coronation and at a St David’s Day event in Cardiff.

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The Leader noted that a series of consultation events on Sustainable Powys were underway. He welcomed the £1.8 million investment in Theatr Brycheiniog and noted that work was beginning on a multi-agency hub in Brecon which would enable Neuadd Brycheiniog to be vacated. He also welcomed the designation of Presteigne and Norton as the first area in Wales to be designated an international dark sky community.  The Leader advised that preparations were continuing for the Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod when 90,000 visitors were expected. He also advised that engagement events were being organised for the Marches Forward Partnership.

Could we have a re-cycling centre for Crickhowell area, it’s ridiculous we have to make a 30 mile round trip to get rid of rubbish that can’t be taken from weekly roadside collections.

It would cover Crickhowell, Llangattock, Llanbedr, Llangrwney, Llangenny Llangynidr.

Could we have a re-cycling centre for Crickhowell area, it’s ridiculous we have to make a 30 mile round trip to get rid of rubbish that can’t be taken from weekly roadside collections.

It would cover Crickhowell, Llangattock. Llanbedr, Llangrwney, Llangenny Llangynidr.

Response

The provision of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) in a large and sparsely populated county such as Powys is a significant challenge as there will always be residents who will have a considerable distance to travel to use one.  We do currently provide five sites spread across the county and unfortunately we do not have the resources as a Council to expand this service to any other areas.  We would suggest that residents, where possible, store the waste and recycling that cannot be collected at the kerbside, so that they can take a full car load when they do visit the HWRC.  We do of also provide a chargeable garden waste collection service which, even with the recent unavoidable price increase, is good value when you take into account the cost of transporting this material to a HWRC.

There was no supplementary question.

Why are we suffering with 3 weeks bin collections, bins are not big enough and when you apply to get a bigger bin you get told NO !!!! But council can waste money on crazy stuff no relevant to the people off Powys in vast amounts !!!!

Why are we suffering with 3 weeks bin collections, bins are not big enough and when you apply to get a bigger bin you get told NO !!!! But council can waste money on crazy stuff no relevant to the people off Powys in vast amounts !!!!

Response

The three weekly residual collections have now been in place for a number of years and are common across many authorities in Wales.  It is important to remember that we do provide a weekly collection of recyclable material including food, paper and card, plastics and cans, and glass.  If all these recyclables are removed from the residual waste, there should not be a problem with what is left being collected every three weeks.  Some residents may be eligible to apply for a larger bin if they meet certain criteria such as a very large household, increased medical requirements, or two or more children in nappies.  However, each application must be individually assessed to ensure that they are recycling all that they can.  If there are recyclable materials in the residual waste, residents will be advised to use the weekly recycling collections to free up space in the residual bin.  The Council is required to meet very strict Statutory Recycling Targets set by the Welsh Government with significant financial penalties for failing to do so.  These targets are there to ensure that resources are there for future generations and it is important that everyone plays their part in reaching these targets.

There was no supplementary question.

Approximately 5 years ago Powys County Council drafted a Memorandum of Agreement setting out the basis upon which its responsibility for maintaining and improving rights of way could be shared with Town and Community Councils, who would enlist the help of local volunteers. Is it intended to develop this approach and, if so, what actions are planned?

Approximately 5 years ago Powys County Council drafted a Memorandum of Agreement setting out the basis upon which its responsibility for maintaining and improving rights of way could be shared with Town and Community Councils, who would enlist the help of local volunteers. Is it intended to develop this approach and, if so, what actions are planned?

Response

The Memorandum of Agreement is a tool through which the Countryside Access and Recreation team can work in partnership with Town and Community Councils and other organisations, to look after the public rights of way network and public greenspace. It is not a transfer of responsibilities, nor does it replace or amend the powers and duties that are already available to the County Council and Town and Community Councils. It is intended that we develop this approach. However, for the reasons below, we do need to take the time now to review how we can effectively support communities who would like to work in this way, before extending the approach further.

The Memorandum of Agreement was prepared in 2019, before the COVID 19 outbreak. At that time, it was envisaged that constraints on revenue budgets would mean that officers of the Countryside Access and Recreation team would spend the majority of their time working with community volunteer groups, to reopen and maintain public paths. However, following the COVID outbreak, the team has found itself working with very different opportunities and constraints. Core revenue budget savings have led to a reduction in the number of area maintenance officers but delivering work using a much higher level of external funding (predominantly capital grants) than expected.

This is both an opportunity and a challenge. The team is able to fund projects on the ground to a much greater extent than anticipated, but these are time bound with tight deadlines and relatively short delivery windows. Officers are managing competing time pressures, balancing project and contractor management and volunteer engagement for the active projects, against supporting community volunteer groups where there is no current project being delivered. We are looking at ways to address that challenge, whilst also seeking to make sure that we maximise the opportunities offered to the public through the external funds available to us.

In response to Mr Austin’s supplementary question if the Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys would ask officers to produce a plan within three months, Councillor Charlton said that the service was developing a proposal within the next three months.

Can the portfolio holder confirm that the bus fare rises of 10% are going ahead?

Can the portfolio holder confirm that the bus fare rises of 10% are going ahead?

Response

In line with the budget proposals that were agreed by Council on the 22^nd February 2024, we will be adding a 10% uplift on to single and return fares on all Powys County Council contracted bus services from Monday 1^st April 2024.  The reason for this is transport costs have increased substantially over the past two years and the income generated will help offset some of the cost pressures, this is the first time we have raised fares since 2019.  To mitigate some of the effects of the fare increases, we are also looking at the other ticket types we offer, such as group tickets, family tickets and multi-trip tickets, and we will adjust these ticket prices to make them more attractive to incentivise their use across our network. 

In response to Mr Prothero’s question asking the Council to work with Town and Community Councils on a proposal that is affordable and workable, the Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys explained she couldn’t commit to reducing fares as even with a 10% increase, costs would still not be covered. 

To approve the Council Tax resolution and set the Council Tax for 2024/25.

Council considered the Council Tax Resolution for 2024/25. It was moved by County Councillor David Thomas and seconded by County Councillor Jake Berriman and by 34 votes to 12 with 14 abstentions, it was

                                  RESOLVED

1.    That the amounts contained in paragraph 3.1 of the report be accepted by the Council for the year 2024/2025 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 of the report as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2024/2025 for each of the categories of dwellings shown.

To consider budget virements requiring approval by Council.

Three virements requiring Council approval were moved by County Councillor David Thomas and seconded by County Councillor James Gibson-Watt and by 54 votes to 0 with 6 abstentions it was

                        RESOLVED to approve the virements set out in the report.

To consider the report of the Head of Transformation and Democratic Services.

Council considered the recommendations of the Democratic Services Committee on the arrangements for committee meetings. A questionnaire had been sent to Councillors and the Committee had taken into account the results of that survey.  It was moved by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan and seconded by County Councillor Gareth E Jones and by 60 votes to 0 with 1 abstention it was

                                  RESOLVED that

1.    Current working arrangements and times for meetings continue.

2.    Committee chairs (in discussion with their committees) can amend the timing of meetings to suit the Committee membership and also in response to particular agenda items, such as when external participants are required at a meeting.

3.    Committee chairs are encouraged to hold at least one in person meeting a year.

4.    Members are encouraged to attend meetings in person during the first six months at the start of a new Council term, to enable them to develop links with other members and

5.    Democratic Services Committee reviews the timing and format of meetings in mid-2025, so that any changes can be implemented from 2026 onwards.

To consider the report of the Head of Transformation and Democratic Services.

Council considered the recommendations of the Democratic Services Committee on the Social Media Guide for Members. It was moved by County Councillor Elwyn Vaughan and seconded by County Councillor Graham Breeze and by 61 votes to 0 with 1 abstention it was

            RESOLVED that the revised Social Media Guide for members is adopted.

To consider the Pay Policy Statement.

Council gave consent for the Professional Lead Employment Services, the Cabinet Manager, the Senior Scrutiny Officer 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 2024/25. The Professional Lead Employment Services explained that the Pay Policy was for staff directly employed by the Council and not staff employed by schools which had their own pay policy.

It was moved by County Councillor David Thomas and seconded by County Councillor Jake Berriman and by 53 votes to 1 with 5 abstentions it was

                        RESOLVED to approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25.

Officers returned to the meeting.

To make appointments to the following outside bodies

1.    Newtown Town Partnership – vacancy for a Newtown member

2.    Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) – vacancy for Brecknockshire member

3.    Local Development Plan Working Group – vacancy for a Brecknockshire member.

Newtown Town Partnership

                        RESOLVED that County Councillor Pete Lewington be appointed to the Newtown Town Partnership.

SACRE

There were no nominations.

Local Development Plan Working Group

                        RESOLVED that County Councillor Huw Williams be appointed to the Local Development Plan Working Group.

It is widely recognised that the U.K needs more wind and solar farms and nuclear power in the coming years to meet low-carbon energy targets and the demand on the grid will only increase the more transport, industry, and domestic heating are electrified to reduce carbon emissions.

Renewable energy trade body RenewableUK Cymru said Wales needed to quadruple its wind power in just over a decade in order to stay on track to meet the Welsh Government's target for electricity to be 100% renewable by 2035. ( https://www.renewableuk-cymru.com/wp-content/uploads/Future-Energy-Wales-The-Critical-Role-of-Welsh-Wind-Power.pdf)

In recent months Green GEN Cymru have announced plans for two sets of pylons to link proposed energy Parks in Powys to the national grid further afield. Such plans are potentially controversial locally and will be decided as Developments of National Significance (DNS) by a Government appointed body PEDW (Planning and Environment Decisions Wales)

The Welsh Government are on record as saying “Updating Wales' grid is essential if we are to have an energy system fit for purpose in the long term. Our planning policy states that wherever possible lines should be laid underground" to reduce visual impact.

This is a reasonable proposition caveated by it being the best and most appropriate, cost-effective solution available. There will be, most people recognise, circumstances where new overhead cables will be the right solution. The sector highlight that the “technical specification for underground cables is likely to be more substantial, costly and environmentally disruptive to maintain and repair”, but are committed to work with the government to find an acceptable way forward.

In November, climate change Minister Julie James MS, said that establishing whether cable-ploughing was technically possible for the largest power lines would be important in understanding whether 'undergrounding' could be more extensively adopted. This is a sensible approach ahead of such proposals being tabled for determination. As Such:

This Council resolves to: 

1. Call on the Welsh Government to commission an independent study, with comparative trials as appropriate, into the technical viability of cable ploughing being deployed extensively for the largest power lines to serve the energy parks arising from the Government’s renewable energy plans for the county, to minimise ongoing visual impacts.

Proposed: Cllr Jake Berriman 

Seconded: Cllr Glyn Preston

County Councillor Sandra Davies declared an interest in this item.

Council debated a motion proposed by County Councillor Jake Berriman and seconded by County Councillor Glyn Preston calling on the Welsh Government to commission an independent study, with comparative trials as appropriate, into the technical viability of cable ploughing being deployed extensively for the largest power lines to serve the energy parks arising from the Government’s renewable energy plans for the county, to minimise ongoing visual impacts.

Councillor Berriman said that he would be happy to work with County Councillor Gary Mitchell on the wording of any letter sent to Welsh Government.

By 48 votes to 9 with 2 abstentions it was

            RESOLVED to call on the Welsh Government to commission an independent study, with comparative trials as appropriate, into the technical viability of cable ploughing being deployed extensively for the largest power lines to serve the energy parks arising from the Government’s renewable energy plans for the county, to minimise ongoing visual impacts.

Council adjourned for lunch from 12.55 to 1.45.

PRESENT

County Councillor B Baynham (Chair)

County Councillors D Bebb, G Breeze, J Berriman, J Brignell-Thorp, J Charlton, R Church, T Colbert, S Cox, A W Davies, A Davies, B Davies, B Davies, S C Davies, M J Dorrance, D Edwards, J Ewing, L George, J Gibson-Watt, C Hall, I Harrison, K Healy, H Hulme, P James, A Jones, E A Jones, E Jones, G D Jones, G E Jones, J R Jones, A Kennerley, C Kenyon-Wade, P Lewington, K Lewis, P E Lewis, W Lloyd, Chloe Masefield, I McIntosh, S McNicholas, DW Meredith, C Johnson-Wood, G Mitchell, G Morgan, WD Powell, G Preston, G Pugh, J Pugh, G W Ratcliffe, L Rijnenberg, L Roberts, P Roberts, C Robinson, E Roderick, D Selby, D A Thomas, R G Thomas, E Vaughan, C Walsh, A Williams, D H Williams, J M Williams and S L Williams

We call on the Council to lobby Welsh Government and oppose the proposed shorter School summer holidays.

We are calling on this for several reasons including:

The detrimental effect this will have on the Powys rural economy and the huge impact it will have on the Royal Welsh Show

The lack of evidence that the proposal will have a positive outcome for our learners.

Proposed: Cllr Gareth  D Jones

Seconded: Cllr Gwynfor Thomas 

Council considered a motion proposed by County Councillor Gareth D Jones and seconded by County Councillor Gwynfor Thomas calling on the Council to lobby Welsh Government in response to proposals to shorten summer holidays, highlighting the impact that it would have on the Royal Welsh Show.

By 52 votes to 1 with 2 abstentions it was

                        RESOLVED

To lobby Welsh Government in response to the proposals to shorten school summer holidays.  Counties throughout Wales should retain their ability to change term-time arrangements to ensure the Royal Welsh Show continues to fall within the school holidays.

Furthermore, the Council wishes Welsh Government to know that there are economic, social, and logistical reasons why the RWS should not be held during term time and the Council calls on Welsh Government to consider this impact when assessing the evidence – for and against – for altering the current term-time arrangements to shorten the summer holidays.

Council notes

The unresolved and ongoing violence of over 76 years and its context in the tragic event that took place on Oct 7th. Leading to the unacceptable loss of life and the crime of taking of hostages which took place on Oct 7th.

The unparalleled and disproportionate killing and maiming of civilians within the Occupied Palestinian Territories - Include the lives of journalists, health professionals, civic and rescue workers.

The unprecedented and reckless destruction of civilian infrastructure across the Gaza Strip - Including that of refugee camps, monuments, heritage sites, places of worships, graveyards, hospitals, universities and schools.

Following South Africa's submission of a case against Israel to the International Court of Justice regarding alleged actions and statements made by Israeli government and military officials, provisional measures have been implemented against Israel. Additionally, an investigation into plausible claims of genocide has also been initiated by the ICJ.

The "Return to Gaza Conference" took place on January 28th. It featured prominent members of the Israeli Government sharing a platform with individuals advocating for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and promoting the construction of Israeli settlements on land previously occupied by destroyed Gazan communities.

The Israeli government's perceived failure to address the radical proclamations made during this occasion is contrary to the Provisional Measure imposed on Israel by the ICJ.

The continued and explicit declarations of intent to conduct comparable militarily action in Rafah, as that of areas further north.

That Rafah, previously declared a 'Safe Area' for the civilian population, currently hosts over 1.7 million internally displaced civilians (85% of total population). Also noting that 47% of the population are children.

That the UN office in Geneva states 70% of civilian infrastructure has been destroyed or severely damaged in Gaza and disease is spreading as the health system “collapses” with only 13 of 36 hospitals partially functional. And 25% of the population are grappling with catastrophic levels of food insecurity.

The enormous costs of supporting refugees in camps or third countries impose a burden on the global community, and directly on Powys when the UK are part of a hosting scheme.

Powys’ pension fund's investments in pooled arrangements that support the armaments industry.

The number of peace vigils is on the rise in towns throughout Powys, and the ongoing mass protests taking place internationally, urging a cessation of hostilities in order to prevent famine and disease from precipitating a notable upsurge in mortality rates.

Council believes

That there should be an immediate and enduring ceasefire to enable the safe return of remaining hostages, the release of Palestinians held under administrative detention, and the expansion of access to humanitarian aid from within the Gaza Strip.

That Israel should honour its commitment to allow Gazans to return to their properties and to prevent famine and disease by facilitating the rebuilding of residences, civilian infrastructure and health care systems across Gaza, which it has comprehensively destroyed.

That following the ICJ's ruling issued on January 25th, all signatory parties of the Geneva Conventions  ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.

This motion was withdrawn.

Powys County Council calls on the Labour Welsh Government to pause and reconsider the ‘Sustainable Farming Scheme: keeping farmers farming’ consultation, given the current strength of feeling in the industry. It is clear that the farmers across Wales who have attended the Welsh Government hosted ‘roadshow’ events, and those hosted by the farming unions, reject the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Given the importance of the farming sector to Powys’ economy it is important of get the future support scheme right, continuing with the current consultation of a flawed scheme is a mistake and will lead to serious frustration and resentment from farmers across Wales.

The cumulative effect of changes to agricultural policy in Wales, from The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations (NVZs) to the ending of Glastir contracts, coupled with the errors in the Habitat Wales Scheme and persistence of Bovine TB means that the Welsh sector is under increasing pressure.

This Council resolves as follows:

Powys County Council believe it to be prudent to pause the consultation, renew engagement with the farming unions before approaching the agricultural sector once serious amendments are made to the Sustainable Farming Scheme proposal. The current situation is unsustainable.

Proposed by County Councillor Lucy Roberts

Seconded by County Councillor. Geoff Morgan

Declarations of interest were made by County Councillors Ed Jones, Bryn Davies, Danny Bebb, William Lloyd, Angela Davies, Gareth E Jones, Gwynfor Thomas, David Thomas, William Powell, Aled Davies, Peter Lewis, Edwin Roderick, Pete Lewington, Arwel Jones, Bryan Davies, Ian Harrison, Gareth D Jones, Graham Breeze, Kelly Healy, Glyn Preston, Jake Berriman, Les George, Karl Lewis, Adam Kennerley, Elwyn Vaughan, Gareth Pugh and Adrian Jones.

Council considered a motion proposed by County Councillor Lucy Roberts and seconded by County Councillor Geoff Morgan calling on the Welsh Government to renew its engagement with farming unions on the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

By 28 votes to 1 with 4 abstentions it was

                        RESOLVED that Powys County Council considers the current situation to be untenable and asks the Welsh Government to renew engagement with the farming unions, before reapproaching the agricultural sector, once serious amendments have been made to the Sustainable Farming Scheme.