Venue: By Zoom. View directions
Contact: Rachel Pugh - Scrutiny and Democratic Support Officer Email: rachel.pugh1@powys.gov.uk
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Apologies To receive apologies for absence. Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from County Councillor A Davies
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Disclosures of Interest To receive any disclosures of interests by Members relating to items to be considered at the meeting. Minutes: There were no disclosures of interest by Members relating to items to be considered at the meeting |
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Declaration of Party Whips To receive disclosures of prohibited party whips which a Member has been given in relation to the meeting in accordance with Section 78(3) of the Local Government Measure 2011.
(NB: Members are reminded that under Section 78 Members having been given a prohibited party whip cannot vote on a matter before the Committee.) Minutes: The Committee did not receive any disclosures of prohibited party whips which a Member has been given in relation to the meeting in accordance with Section 78(3) of the Local Government Measure 2011. |
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Minutes of Previous Meetings PDF 163 KB To authorise the Chair to sign the minutes of the previous meeting held as follows as a correct record - 06 June 2023.
Minutes: Outcome: The Chair was authorised to sign the Minutes of the previous meetings as a correct record 05.06.2023. |
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Local Development Plan Working Group - Observer The Committee is asked to nominate one Member as an observer on the Local Development Plan Working Group. Minutes: Resolved:that County Councillor A Jones volunteered to be the Observer on the Local Development Plan Working Group. |
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Free School Meal Vouchers PDF 209 KB To Consder the report of the Cabinet Members for a Fairer Powys, a Connected Powys and Finance and Corporate Transformation. Minutes: The Committee were reassured that:? ?Vouchers provided to families through the Catering Services are tracked.? Families can only use the vouchers in specifically allocated locations.?? For those families without an email address direct bacs payments are made.??? The SHEP (School Holiday Enrichment Programme) scheme is available, but this is not universal and is only available in certain areas of Powys.??? ? The Committee expressed concern that:? ?The short notice from Welsh Government given to the Council regarding the withdrawal of the scheme.?? The disparity being created across Wales with some authorities continuing the scheme or providing alternatives.?? Families having to manage and adapt budgets accordingly at short notice due to the impending summer holidays.? The potential additional demand on Council Services if the vouchers/payments are not provided to families.? The Council intends making a single year extension to the scheme i.e., for this summer only.?? Direct payments are not capable of being tracked and we are unable to ensure that the payments are used for the correct purpose.?? Vouchers although issues are not fully utilised in all cases.?? Less financial reserves will be available within the authority for families with complex needs.?? ? Correspondence to the Welsh Government will be drawn up by the Committee to express concerns around the position that the Council has been presented with and in particular the short notice period provided for the existing schemes withdrawal.?
Recommendations: 1.That the Cabinet accepts Option 2 and continues to provide the Scheme previously provided by Welsh Government during the school summer holiday period in 2023 only. 2.The sum of £280k is vired from the central Risk Budget to the catering budget.
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Home to School Transport Policy PDF 452 KB To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys Minutes: Background: · The updated Home to School Transport Policy aimsbe aligned withthe School Admission arrangements. · The new Public ServiceVehicle AccessibilityRegulations (PSVAR)are to be introduced in January 2026, which would enable all public transport to be accessible to disabled people and ‘spare seats’ will then be available for sale. · The cost to the Council is £11m per annum to provide transport for learners. · The average cost per pupil for transport to school is approximately £1500, the Council propose to charge £400per spare seat. · It was clarified that the Policy was brought to the Committee under the Portfolio for a Green Powys which includes transport.
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Report to be presented at the meeting. Minutes: Background: · A comprehensive presentation was provided to the Committee. · It was explained that Workforce Planning is a strategic organisational development activity and an integral part to the Integrated Business Planning process which is supported by the Service. · The Service is seeking continuous improvement through training and shared good practice examples from service areas within the Council.
Resolved:The Committee noted a very positive presentation from Workforce Planning.
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Procurement - Climate Action Plan PDF 1 MB To receive the Procurement Climate Action Plan. Minutes: Background: · Key activities were provided to the Committee including: Gathering emissions information in order to provide a full picture for the Council. · The four key spend areas showed that a third of emissions levels fall within the Highways, Transport and Recycling supply chain. · The Procurement Service supports Council Services to identify and drive opportunities.
Resolved: The Procurement Climate Action Plan be noted.
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Buildings and Land - Climate Action Plan PDF 120 KB To receive the Buildings and Land Climate
Action Plan. Minutes: Background: · Work continues to compile the Building and Land Climate Action Plan. · Positive actions have been taken including the ECO4 scheme, schools having led lighting and a new asset collaboration programme, which also assists schools and community centres to be more sustainable. · It was noted that in order to meet the ambitions of the Council, a better understanding of assets was needed, by measuring emissions and conducting condition surveys will ensure a more informed decision-making process and value for money.
Resolved: The Building and Land Climate Action Plan be noted.
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Governance - Climate Action Plan PDF 145 KB To receive the Governance Climate Action Plan. Minutes: Background: · The Governance Climate Action Plan is in place as part of the wider actions undertaken by the Council in response to the Climate and Nature Emergency. · It demonstrated the commitment to the Welsh Government public sector 2030 targets. · The plan is based around 7 key themes to be considered to meet the climate needs and ambitions. · And would identify funding and where resources were needed for effective impact. · Actions within the Council was running in parallel along with the Welsh Government targets.
Resolved: The Governance Climate Action Plan be noted.
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Scrutiny Work Programme
For committee to note the meetings.
Minutes: Resolved:The Work Programme be noted. |