CABINET
Minutes of a meeting held on 2nd
September, 2009.
Present: Councillor G.C. Kemp
(Chairman); Councillor T.H. Jarvie (Vice-Chairman); Councillors
Mrs. J.E. Charles, P. Church, G.A. Cox, A.M. Ernest, A.D. Hampton,
H.J.W. James, R.L. Traherne and Mrs. D.M. Turner.
Also present: Councillor R.F.
Curtis.
C578
MINUTES -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting
held on 29th July, 2009 be approved as a correct
record.
C579
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -
The following Councillors declared interests
as shown below:
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Councillor G.A. Cox, Councillor G.C. Kemp and
Councillor T.H. Jarvie
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Agenda Item Nos. 17 and 19 - each being
Governors of Cowbridge Comprehensive School, appointed by this
Council.
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Councillor A.M. Ernest
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Agenda Item No. 16 - Fire and Rescue
Authorities: Financial Reserves - being one of the Council's
nominated representatives serving on the South Wales Fire
Authority.
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Councillor R.L. Traherne
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Agenda Item No. 22 - Leases held by Cowbridge
First Scout Group and Cowbridge Amateur Dramatic Society - being
Vice-Chairman of the Cardiff and Vale Area Scout Council.
Councillor R.L. Traherne vacated the room during consideration of
Agenda Item No. 22.
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C580
CORPORATE PARENTING PANEL -
The following minutes of a meeting held on
1st July, 2009 were submitted:
Present: Councillor Dorothy Turner
(Chairman), Councillor AD Hampton, Phil Evans (Director of Social
Services), Bryan Jeffreys (Director of Learning and Development),
Jenny Smith – Specialist Teacher (LAC), Gareth Jenkins (Head of
Children & Young People Services), Guest D, Caroline Rees
(Head of Service for Additional Learning Needs), Ceri Spence
(Service Manager – Children & Young People Services), Vic
Thomas (Principal Officer - Children & Young People Services),
Catherine Hanlon (Cabinet Support Officer.)
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Actions
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(1)
Apologies for Absence
None received.
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(2)
Minutes
The Minutes were agreed as an accurate
record.
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(3)
Declarations of Interest –
No Declarations were received.
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(7) Transition from
Children’s Services to Adult Services
Ceri Spence and Vic Thomas from Children
and Young People Services attended the meeting to provide the Panel
with a briefing on issues surrounding transition from Children’s
Services to Adult Services for young people including disabled
young people.
DT explained that the recent Social
Services Case Management Enquiry highlighted some issues with
regards Transition and as such a presentation on the key issues and
problems with the process to the Panel has been scheduled.
DT explained that there is the intention
to increase the number of members who attend Corporate Parenting
Panel and following this increase a Task and Finish Group will be
established to focus on the issue of Transition for disabled young
people and those young people leaving care.
The Panel agreed that the minutes of the
CPP should be circulated to Cabinet, Children and Young People’s
Partnership and Social Services Scrutiny for their
information.
CS presented a paper to the Panel entitled
‘Transition Briefing Paper’ (appended) in which the Transition
process was described. Areas for further development and
focus were also highlighted. In addition areas in which the
Transition process has been commended were illustrated.
CS outlined that there is an issue at
times with the overlapping of meetings across the special
schools.
Suggestion raised that the Programme for
these meetings across the schools be staggered to avoid
clashes. CR will speak with schools regarding this.
CS outlined the process by which young
people can apply for access to services at age 17 ½ years by
completing a Unified Assessment which is determined according to a
‘Critical and Substantial’ criteria.
DT queried where parents/service users
were able to obtain advice regarding this process.
CS explained that advice can be provided
through several avenues;
1) Involvement of
Adult Services
2) Careers Wales
have a duty to provide advice/information.
CS also outlined areas for further
development.
Issue raised regarding late referrals for
a Transition Plan. DT expressed concern that even in
situations where a referral has not been sought for a Service User
a flag should be in place in order to increase awareness.
Finally CS outlined the aspects that work
well within the process.
Vic Thomas then presented the position for
young care leavers to the panel. VT reiterated the need for
earlier involvement in the leaving care process.
VT explained that how well children are
skilled for independent living is an important factor in the
leaving care process. VT intimated that this is very variable
across different family situations. VT, therefore, stressed
the need for Social Workers and Foster Carers to encourage young
people to develop skills required for independent living as an area
for improvement.
VT also highlighted concerns regarding the
types of accommodation available to those children leaving
care. Primarily housing is within hostel settings which is
not always the optimum placement in some cases. A greater
range of provision is needed.
One suggestion raised as a potential
option for consideration, in some cases, is for young people (YP)
to develop and maintain a tenancy which has been negotiated by the
Service Provider with a Private Landlord. In this the YP
would be supported by the Provider who manages any risks.
VT also highlighted the need for
strengthening and improving working relationship between the
Leaving Care Team and the Housing Department, in particular with
regards to issues of Homelessness.
Guest D was asked if she had been given
advice with regards her opportunities for progression following
school?
Guest D explained that she has raised this
as a query herself and the situation was unclear. Following
discussion with her Young Persons Advisor (YPA) she was made aware
that she is able to proceed onto University but she did experience
some difficulties in sourcing information. Primary concern
centres on accommodation during holidays etc…
JS agreed that concern regarding
accommodation is one of the primary factors leading to students
dropping out of Barry College.
VT agreed indicating that finding suitable
accommodation is the key to successful transition in that in many
cases housing issues govern educational issues.
Agreed by the Panel that at the next
meeting a group would be set up to examine these issues on
Transition arrangements incorporating education in order to produce
a document to go to Cabinet.
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MP/CH
CR
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All Members
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(6) Service User
Update
Guest D updated the panel on the outcome
of the meeting held between herself and other Service Users at
Barry Comprehensive.
The group discussed changes they would
like to make to the young peoples’ information folder. These
changes included producing it in A5 size and for it to be available
on a CD Rom. The group also felt that they would like to
model the design on their school planners which they believe to be
user-friendly.
Each member of the group is currently
researching an individual area in order to compile a leaflet with
useful information for looked after children. They will meet
in September to assimilate the information and compile the
leaflet.
The group also had a discussion on their
emotional experiences when entering care and it emerged that
‘Emergency Placements’ was an area of particular difficultly for
children. The group felt that if the children could have a
small amount of information on the carers prior to placement this
may alleviate some of the anxiety. It was suggested that each
family could produce a brief summary on themselves/their lives
which would be kept on file and could be given to the children
prior to placement.
The group has arranged to meet again in
September.
The Panel welcomed these proposals and
suggestions. The Panel agreed to support all the proposals
from the Service User Group.
JS raised the issue of the importance of
the presence of Foster Carers at Parents Evenings.
Suggested that elected members could become involved.
Governors could also liaise with LAC in schools, acting as an
avenue of support for the children.
BJ asked JS to forward him a list of
Governors who have not yet attended Governor Training.
BJ will compile letter to governors.
JS will provide details.
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ALL
JS
BJ / JS
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(5) Forward Work
Programme
FWP to be updated by GJ. Will be
updated in preparation for the next meeting and will be
disseminated to group members prior to the meeting for
consideration. Any comments/feedback can then be forwarded to
GJ.
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GJ
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(4)
Information Pack for Elected Members
Panel asked to take away the draft
document to consider it.
Key points the Panel were advised to
consider are:
1) The foreword
(Page 3)
Guest D was invited to write a foreword
from the LAC Council – D agreed that she was happy to do
this. JS/GJ will assist.
Suggestion also raised that the document
could contain artwork produced by members of the LAC
Council.
2) Official
Launch
DT raised the possibility of an official
launch of the document. Panel supported this
idea.
3) The document is
only in draft form at the moment.
4) Case
Studies
GJ asked the Panel whether they considered
the inclusion of case studies into the document to be useful in
illustrating key issues. Panel agreed that this would be a
good idea – possibility of using redacted actual cases/scenarios in
the document.
Any comments/suggestions for the document
should be forwarded to GJ/DT by the end of July. It is
intended then that the final draft of the written content can then
be signed off at the end of the next meeting. Design work can
then be finalised with the intention for all work to be completed
on the document prior to Christmas.
JS stated that the launch of the document
would coincide with the timings for the Awards Ceremony in
November. JS queried possibility of funding from Education
budget. BJ and JS to liaise on this. JS would like to
commence arranging for the event now.
JS and BJ to organise the
ceremony.
PE indicated that the Mayor should be
invited to open the event. Also suggested that a
representative from the Children’s Commissioner Officer could be
invited to present awards.
JS also informed the Panel of a new
initiative commencing called the ‘Letterbox Scheme’ in which pupils
in Year 3 and Year 5 will receive parcels of books for 6 months in
an effort to promote basic skills. This initiative is funded
by WAG. BJ & JS will draft a press release advertising
this scheme.
DT asked if she would comment and agreed
that she is happy to do so.
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All
Guest D / JS/GJ
All
BJ/JS
JS/BJ
JS
JS/BJ/DT
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The next meeting will be held on;
16th September 2009
All meetings will be held at 4.00pm. The
next meeting will be held in Committee Room 3, Civic
Offices.
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- - - - -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes be noted.
Reason for decision
To note the information received.
C581
VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL ACCESS FORUM -
The following minutes of a meeting held on
8th July, 2009 were submitted:
Present:Mr. F. Coleman
(Chairman); Mr. G.D. Cubbin, Ms. A. Duddridge, Mr. J.J.
Herbert, Mr. H.S. McMillan, Mr. N. Moss, Mrs. A. Phillips,
Mr. R. Pittard, Mr. R. Simpson and Mr. R.
Traherne.
Mr. J. Wyatt (Secretary), Mr. B. Guy, Mr.
S. Latham and Mrs. S. Thomas (Vale of Glamorgan Council).
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Action
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(a)
Apologies for Absence -
These were received from Councillors A.M.
Ernest, Mrs. V.M. Hartrey, Mrs. H. March, Mrs.
M. Parry, Mrs. L. Stuart and Mrs. V. Warlow; Ms. S. Tindall
(Countryside Council for Wales); Mr. C. Fray (Vale of Glamorgan
Council).
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(b)
Welcome -
The Chairman welcomed Ms. Annie Duddridge
to her first meeting of the Local Access Forum.
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(c) Minutes
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AGREED - T H A T the minutes held on
22nd April, 2009 be approved as a correct record subject
to Annie Duddridge’s name being correctly recorded in minute no.
(i).
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(d)
Matters Arising -
(i) Allocation
of Rights of Way Improvement Plan Monies 2009/10 - B. Guy indicated
that were the Council to proceed with the proposal for St. Georges,
consultation would take place.
(ii) Local Access
Forum Footpath Surveys - S. Thomas confirmed that sufficient
members had already volunteered to partake in the survey but,
should there be additional volunteers, they should notify
her.
(iii)
Terms of Reference - Mr. Pittard suggested that the Terms of
Reference should include a statement indicating that members of the
public were welcome to attend. After some discussion, it was
considered that since meetings of the Forum were published on the
Council’s website together with minutes of previous meetings it was
acknowledged that such meetings were indeed open to the public and
that there was no need to amend the Terms of Reference.
(iv)
Access across Land owned by Major Landowners - Sarah Tindall had
agreed at a previous meeting to clarify the position although she
had indicated prior to the meeting that she had currently been
unable to do so. J. Wyatt would speak to her further in the
hope that such clarification would be available in time for the
next meeting.
(v) Task and Finish
Group to consider issues relating to linking up of PROW
Improvements - Mr. Traherne had withdrawn his name from the
membership of the Group. Mr. McMillan confirmed that one
meeting had been held at which the Terms of Reference and scope of
activity had been agreed. The Group was looking at the
existing links and those links that would be desirable to achieve a
circular route. The aim of the Group was that its work would
be complementary to both the Coastal Access Improvement Programme
and to the work of the ROWIP team. The Chairman would
work in the Western Vale whilst he and Mr. Herbert would
concentrate on the Eastern Vale, firstly establishing a database in
order to assess need including disabled needs. Once that
survey had been completed, Mr. McMillan indicated that additional
members would be welcome to join the Group.
At this juncture, the Chairman indicated
that he had been approached by the Council to act as a paid
consultant in negotiating permanency for the right of way of the
coastal path. He did not consider that to pose any conflict
of interest but asked the Members if they had any concerns or
questions. The position had come about as a consequence of
the absence of the PROW Officer. The Members of the LAF
accepted that there was no conflict of interest.
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(d)
Terms of Reference -
When Cabinet had received the minutes of
the previous meeting of the Forum, Cabinet had suggested that the
word “Chair” in Minute No. (h) paragraph 12 be amended to read
“Forum”. Mr. Traherne indicated that the thinking behind the
recommendation of the Cabinet had been that the word “Forum” better
demonstrated inclusivity.
Discussion then ensued on the fact that
the LAF was a statutory body, that its Terms of Reference had been
based on the model Terms of Reference for LAFs drawn up by CCW in
conjunction with WAG and that the purpose of allowing the Chairman
to act in such matters had been to facilitate the efficient
despatch of business between meetings of the LAF. Following
further consideration, it was
AGREED - T H A T the wording of the Terms
of Reference remain unaltered.
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(e) To
receive Mr. Rowan Hughes, Principal Environmental Health Officer,
to discuss issues relating to Dogs in the Countryside -
On being welcomed to the meeting, Mr.
Hughes set the scene for the Dog Warden Service as it currently
existed within the Vale. The service comprised two wardens,
the main function of whom was to collect stray dogs - currently
approximately 350 per annum as compared with some 500 ten years
ago. The strays were taken to kennels in Bridgend since it
was too costly to provide such a service in-house and no interest
had been shown from local kennels in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The sole responsibility for stray dogs had been passed from a joint
responsibility with the Police to the Council a couple of years ago
and the existing arrangement with Croft Kennels whereby stray dogs
were collected from the Council had proved to be an excellent
service. He referred to the fact that the Council had by-laws
(which related mostly to parks and public areas) in relation to
control of dog fouling, control of dogs on leads and control of
dogs on beaches. The responsibility for dog fouling
enforcement had moved from the dog warden unit to Visible
Services. He explained that dog fouling enforcement was very
time consuming and that, where any such action was proposed to be
taken, it was always challenged. He indicated that most of
the issues related to dogs in urban areas and that over the last
year just one incident had been reported of a dog attacking
sheep. As regards dangerous dogs, the Police had
responsibility in addition for banned breeds (Pit Bulls) with for
example responsibilities under the Guard Dogs Act.
The other primary function of the service
was promoting responsible ownership which was done in partnership
with the Dogs Trust. Whilst dogs were required to wear a
collar and identification tag, the Council actively encouraged
microchipping.
In response to questions relating to dogs
on beaches, he indicated that the ban was time limited on certain
beaches and that there was no limitation on the number of dogs a
person could take onto a beach when the ban was not in force but
that, notwithstanding, any dog(s) would have to be kept under
control. To promote responsible dog ownership, the service
visited schools, and also encouraged worming. As part of
responsible dog ownership, the service visited schools where,
amongst other things, worming was encouraged. He referred to
a booklet entitled “You and Your Dog in the Countryside” produced
by CCW and others, copies of which were available at the
meeting. As regards dog fouling, he indicated that ordinary
litter bins could be used for dog waste as well as Dog Litter
Bins. Reference was made to the costs of cleaning up at
Cosmeston and to the efforts of the Park Rangers in educating users
of the Park and into dog fouling enforcement on that site.
Enforcement was, however, intensely time consuming but when there
were fines and prosecutions it was considered that those should be
given a high profile to deter others. The success of
enforcement he considered was largely dependent upon the amount of
resources that could be devoted to it. The spot fine for
offending owners was currently £75 but, he indicated, the higher
the fee the more vigorous the challenge.
Following further discussion, the Chairman
thanked Mr. Hughes for his informative presentation.
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(f) CCW
Consultation on the CROW Act Open Access “Relevant Authority”
Guidance -
In order to keep Members up-to-date on
current consultations, attention was drawn to the above. The
Operational Manager explained that CCW had a duty to apply guidance
to “relevant authorities” which administered restrictions on open
land access in Wales and that, in respect of the Vale of Glamorgan,
the relevant authority was CCW. Since the situation within
the Vale was that all open access land was previously existing
common land, it was considered that the guidance had only limited
relevance. Details as to how to make a response should any
individual Member wish to comment were contained within the
report.
AGREED - T H A T the position be
noted.
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(g)
Notes from the Local Access Forum Conference held on 7th
May 2009 -
The Chairman had attended the above
conference on behalf of the LAF. A full copy of the
presentation was available on CD; any Member requiring a copy was
asked to contact B. Guy.
Discussion ensued on the following
topics:
·
Good Practice: In response to a question from Mr. McMillan
as to whether any relevant best practice on the function of LAFs
had been identified at the meeting, the Chairman indicated that he
was not aware of anything new. From the discussions at the
meeting, it was evident that there were a variety of ways in which
LAFs operated in Wales and, as indicated within the notes of the
meeting, the underlying message was that LAFs should do what they
considered appropriate providing the work was limited to access and
recreation and the input / involvement by LAFs was reasoned and
balanced.
·
ROWIP Review: The Chairman confirmed that the ROWIP review
would be circulated to Members of the LAF when it became
available.
·
Agri-environment Schemes: Mr. Traherne drew attention to the
fact that WAG had indicated that the existing agri-environment
schemes were to be replaced by a new scheme to be introduced in
2012 which, it was anticipated, would have a more strategic and
regional focus rather than the current local (if somewhat
fragmented) arrangements. Concerns were expressed that some of the
existing permissive paths would no longer exist if and when
financial incentives were removed. Members agreed that a watching
brief be maintained and, if deemed appropriate, an additional
meeting be held to discuss the proposals once known with
representatives from the appropriate bodies invited to
attend.
·
Disabled Access: Ms. Duddridge questioned the statement
contained in the notes that no Welsh Local Authorities had
implemented its published Disabilities / Equalities
Statement. Whilst expressing the view that Local Authorities
only did what they had to rather than what they could, she
indicated that it was too late for the LAF to become involved in
the content of the plans already published but that work was
ongoing with an Architectural Officer within the Council on matters
pertaining to disabled access into and within Council
buildings. Her complaint that it had taken her 2 years to
gain a seat on the LAF as a result of a communication barrier
within the Council was noted. B. Guy apologised on behalf of
the Council and would address the lack of awareness at the Contact
Centre.
·
Appointing Authority Representation on the LAF: In response to
the Chairman’s statement at the Conference in respect of the above,
Quentin Grimley from CCW had confirmed that the Regulations
permitted just 1 elected Member from the Appointing Authority to
sit on its LAF. Discussion ensued on the situation in respect
of this LAF on the lines that had taken place at the initial
meeting of the newly constituted LAF, namely that discussions had
been held with CCW, that all applicants for a seat on the LAF had
been successful, that there remained vacancies, that the 2 Members
not appointed as the Appointing Authority representative had been
active in LAF work for a considerable period and that this LAF had
confirmed (in January, 2009) that those 2 Members should
remain.
The stance
taken by the LAF had been open and transparent throughout and
Members once again unanimously and wholeheartedly agreed that the
status quo as regards membership be maintained.
AGREED – THAT, having received the notes
of the Conference and discussed those matters identified above by
Members as being of particular interest to this LAF, the position
be noted and any necessary action required as a consequence
taken.
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(h)
CCW Work Programme 2009/10 -
As occurred annually, matters which CCW
and WAG anticipated being referred to LAFs during the year were
outlined. The above Programme referred amongst other things to the
Walking and Cycling Plan for Wales, the Chairman requesting an
update on progress within the Vale at a later meeting. The proposal
that a representative from the Planning and Transportation
Department be invited to a future meeting to address that issue was
accepted following which the LAF would be better able to formulate
a view as to the way forward.
Another matter raised during the
discussion on the CCW Programme included access to water. It was
considered that the main issue in that respect for the Vale would
be coastal access, reference being made in the course of discussion
to access to Llantwit Major beach and Southerndown.
AGREED – THAT the Programme be noted and a
representative from Planning and Transportation invited to a future
meeting to address the LAF on the Council’s proposals to improve
access networks and promote walking and cycling.
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(i) PROW Orders
Update -
As requested at the last meeting, an
update on PROW Orders was presented. The recent resignation of the
PROW Officer meant that progress in respect of many Orders was
currently on hold. B. Guy indicated that interviews for the post
were imminent and Members paid credit to the staff currently
undertaking the work. Particular attention was drawn to the heavy
workload involved with the Section 53 applications although B. Guy
reported that all were on target for completion within 12
months. Mr. Pittard referred to the slowdown in progressing
the Lost Ways project in England and to the fact that CCW was yet
to assess the future of the project in Wales.
AGREED – THAT the PROW Orders up-date be
accepted.
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(j) Update on
Coastal Access and ROWIP -
B. Guy reported that, in respect of the
ROWIP, the funding offer of £46k. had now been received.
Approximately £11k. of that funding would be expended on waymarking
(phase 2) and Members were notified that a review of other pieces
of work was ongoing in order to determine spending priorities for
the remaining monies. A formal funding offer in respect of
the CAIP was still awaited. Progress was however being made
as regards the means of negotiating access and assessing various
engineering works.
AGREED – THAT the progress to date be
noted.
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(k) Briefing Note for
New LAF Members -
A briefing note produced by the Flintshire
LAF had been circulated at the LAF Chairs meeting. The note had
been edited subsequently and circulated with the agenda for
comment.
Having regard to the points raised at the
meeting, it was
AGREED – THAT the document be further
amended in terms of format and circulated to Members with the
minutes of this meeting.
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(l) Draft
Annual Report 2008/09 from Cardiff LAF -
The Annual Report had been forwarded for
comment. The Chairman opened the discussion by referring to
the emphasis placed in the document on Cardiff’s emerging Local
Development Plan (LDP) and to the role of the LAF in helping to
shape the content of that Plan. It was considered that, at
this juncture, this LAF could demonstrate its commitment to
ensuring access issues were adequately and properly addressed
within the VOG LDP by writing to either the Leader of the Council
or the relevant Cabinet Member flagging up its concerns.
Members considered the style of the Annual
Report generally to be both engaging and informative if rather
long. J. Wyatt confirmed that the Annual Report for this LAF would
be produced in what he hoped would be a comparable format,
containing a position statement as of now in respect of actions
progressed over the year in question. The initial draft would be
circulated to each Member, with comments on the content / format
requested thereafter within a relatively short deadline.
AGREED – THAT
·
the Annual Report of the Cardiff LAF be noted
·
the Chairman write to the Leader of the Council and/or relevant
Cabinet Member along the lines indicated above
·
following the expiry of the deadline for the receipt of
observations in respect of this LAF’s Annual Report, the Chairman,
Deputy Chairman and Secretary be authorised make any necessary
revisions prior to the publication of the same.
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(m) Any
Other Business / Forward Work Programme -
·
Site visit along the recently upgraded footpath into Porthkerry
Park and the circular return through the improved woodland track:
after thanking officers for facilitating the above immediately
prior to this meeting, the Chairman proposed that a further walk be
organised in the Park, the route to be determined by officers,
prior to the next meeting whilst the evenings were still light and
when weather likely to be reasonable. It was agreed that the walk
commence at 5pm at a date to be arranged.
·
Impact of the Metrix development: in response to questions in
relation to the above, B. Guy confirmed that the Rights of Way
response to the consultation in respect of the planning application
had already been submitted and that, whilst there were implications
in respect of access issues, there were no matters of major
concern. The planning application would be submitted to the
Council’s Planning Committee in September. An invitation could then
be extended to Metrix for a representative to attend the LAF to
expand on any access related issues. Mr. Guy indicated that
any impact of the development on the Walking and Cycling Strategy
would be addressed through the planning process which would include
reference to the Travel Plan. In addition, and referred to at (h)
above, the presentation by the representative from Planning and
Transportation would embrace the same issues.
·
Time limitation on meetings: Mrs. Philips questioned whether
meetings of the LAF should be time-limited. Being amenable to the
proposition from the Secretary that Members might wish to consider
an earlier start to meetings than 6pm, it was agreed that the
meeting on 21st October commence at 5.30pm and be
limited to 2 hours duration.
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- - - - - -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes be noted.
Reason for decision
To note the information received.
C582
CARDIFF BAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE -
The following minutes of the Annual General
Meeting held on 29th July, 2009 were submitted:
Present:
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Mr. N. Ajax Lewis
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Wildlife Trust of South and West
Wales
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CouncillorP. Church
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Vale of Glamorgan Council
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Mrs. C. Dimond
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CardiffFlood Action
Committee
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Councillor A.M. Ernest
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PenarthTown Council
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Mr. J. Harrison
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Environment Agency
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Mr. R. Harvey
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Canoe Wales
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Mr. A. Parker
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Also present:
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Mr. J.P. Barry
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CardiffYacht Club
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Mr. S. Howell
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CardiffHarbourAuthority
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Mr. J. Rees
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Vale of Glamorgan Council
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(a)
Appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairman -
AGREED - T H A T Councillor P. Church and
Mrs. C. Dimond be re-appointed Chairman and Vice-Chairman
respectively for the ensuing municipal year.
(b)
Apologies for absence -
This was received from Councillor N.
Howells (City and County of Cardiff Council).
(c) Minutes
-
AGREED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 25th
March, 2009 be approved as a correct record.
(d)
Matters arising -
(i) WAG
Feasibility Study in Relation to Tidal Power in the Severn Estuary
-
Reference was made to the availability to
the Committee of the website address relating to the above subject
and whether indeed this had been provided. Comments were also
made in regard to lock fees and it was indicated that this related
to options in respect to barrage proposals on the Severn
Estuary. However, given that the options were in the very
early stages of investigation and consultation, these matters were
thought to be some way from consideration by the relevant
stakeholders.
AGREED - T H A T the website address for
accessing the consultation exercise regarding tidal power in the
Severn Estuary be made available to Members of the Committee as
soon as practicable.
(ii) Norwegian Church
- Lottery Fund Application -
An update was sought on progress of the
application in respect of this matter and Mr. Howells indicated
that the grant bid which was one of two schemes submitted to the
Lottery Commission had been unsuccessful and alluded to the reasons
as to why the bid had not been approved. He indicated that on
the representations he received from the Lottery Commission which
were encouraging, a re-submitted bid had been made for funding
which addressed the initial concerns raised by the Lottery
Commission regarding the previous application. However, recent
representations received from the Lottery Commission indicated that
the re-submitted bid was unlikely to be treated
favourably.
AGREED - T H A T the efforts of officers
in respect of the Lottery Bid submissions be acknowledged and that
the responses received from the Lottery Commission be noted with
disappointment.
(iii)
Penarth Marina Escarpment Stabilisation -
The Chairman referred to this matter and
updated the Committee regarding progress being made to address the
risk from the unstable escarpment adjacent to land leased by the
Council at Penarth Marina.
He apprised the Committee regarding the
likely outcome of the proposed engineering works and the residual
risk of instability of the escarpment and also referred to a
proposed management regime for the mitigation of risk from the
instability of the same.
Consultants had been engaged and
commissioned to undertake a comprehensive risk study of the
escarpment from the Tesco supermarket in the north to Paget Hill in
the south. Costs associated with engineering works were
£300,000 for the financial year 2008/09 and £200,000 for the
financial year 2009/10.
He agreed to forward a copy of the
relevant Cabinet report to the Members of the Committee attached to
the agenda for the next meeting.
(e)
Progress / Update Regarding Cardiff Harbour Authority -
Mr. Howell provided the Committee with an
update on matters in relation to the above subject and on the
following matters:
·
Barrage -
Scheduled maintenance operations were
currently being undertaken on the barrage including maintenance on
the sluices. The fish pass was due to have a mid year check
on the level of zebra mussels present and divers would assess the
outer harbour lead-in pontoons for corrosion. Lock gate
maintenance and corrosion protection work was also due to start in
September 2009.
The summer dredging campaign to maintain
the outer harbour was due to commence at the beginning of August
following the granting of a three year licence from the Marine and
Fisheries Agencies to undertake such work.
·
Environment -
The Harbour Authority had met the
statutory dissolved oxygen standard throughout the past
month. A new water quality monitor had been positioned
upstream of Western District Pumping Station which would be used to
measure the change in water quality when the outfall from the
pumping station became operational.
The recent wet weather had brought a
significant amount of debris into the Bay particularly over the
past 24 hours when flows had reached 195 cumecs on the Taff and 30
cumecs on the River Ely.
The recent poor weather had also prevented
the undertaking of the second dose of larvicide but had also
reduced the numbers of midges emerging.
·
General issues -
Construction work of the Pont y Werin
Bridge Scheme had commenced with the in-river pylon works nearing
completion. The bridge was expected to be completed by summer
2010.
The Canoe Slalom Centre construction was
also progressing well. The residual works were nearing
completion and the steel frame to the building had been
erected. More recently, the coal discharger repair works had
been agreed with CADW and additional funding had been approved by
WAG to incorporate this as a public access / viewing area linked to
the Bay edge walkway. The project was due to be completed in
February 2010. These works were on budget and target for
timings.
·
Summer events -
The summer events programme as in previous
years was proving popular with the Outdoor Action Show, The
International Food and Drink Festival and the previous weekends WOW
(On the Waterfront) all proving successful. The Harbour
Festival was the major final summer event planned for the August
bank holiday weekend.
·
Fishery officers -
It was indicated that Mr. John Taylor had
recently been appointed as a Fishery Officer charged with the
future development of course fishing within the environs of the Bay
area. Following negotiations with the Crown Estates who were
in ownership of the riverbeds, agreement had been reached to
provide three primary fishing sites along the River Ely. The
appointment would also bring about more robust control measures
regarding course fishing activities.
AGREED - T H A T Mr. Howell be thanked for
his report.
(f) Environment
Agency Progress Report -
Mr. Harrison indicated that due to the
current prevailing weather conditions over the last week that there
were flood warnings in place on the Rivers Wye and Ely. In
respect of matters relating to the Cardiff Harbour Authority it was
indicated that a fundamental review of statutory and non-statutory
water monitoring responsibilities is taking place to ensure that
the activities of the Cardiff Harbour Authority are cost effective
and provide quality environmental data. Given the ongoing
agenda with the WAG in respect of efficiency savings within the
public sector there was an understandable need to ensure that
operations were sufficiently robust enough to satisfy the
Agency.
A new Environment Agency fisheries patrol
vessel was now in situ within the Bay and replaced the previous 20
year old vessel. Duties include the assessment of migrating
fish including salmon, enforcement of anti-poaching arrangements on
the Usk and Wye Estuary and habitat monitoring within the Severn
Estuary.
AGREED - T H A T Mr. Harrison be thanked
for his report.
(g)
Timetable of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2009/10 -
The report set out provisional dates for
future meetings of the Committee and as in previous years custom
and practice for meetings were timed for 5.15 p.m. on
Wednesdays.
AGREED - T H A T the following timetable
of meetings for the municipal year 2009/10 be endorsed:
|
DATE
|
VENUE
|
|
Wednesday, 16th September, 2009
at 5.15 p.m.
|
CardiffBay
HarbourAuthority Offices
|
|
Wednesday, 18th November, 2009
at 5.15 p.m.
|
Ditto
|
|
Wednesday, 20th January, 2010
at 5.15 p.m.
|
Ditto
|
|
Wednesday, 24th March, 2010 at
5.15 p.m.
|
Ditto
|
|
Wednesday, 9th June, 2010 at
5.15 p.m. (Annual Meeting)
|
Ditto
|
(h)
Any Other Business -
(i) Councillor
Ernest, in his capacity as the Member for Penarth Town Council
referred to the said Town Council's recent Penarth Festival which
had attracted significant crowds and celebrated at the closing of
the Festival by a fly over by a MacDonald Douglas Dakota
(DC3).
In addition to the above matters as the
Cabinet Member for the Vale of Glamorgan Council for Leisure and
Tourism he indicated that on the forthcoming weekend,
1st and 2nd August - Barry Island, Barry
would be hosting the summer Welsh leg of the high speed power boat
championship. This event included around 30 'zap cat'
catamarans which would feature.
The Barry Waterfront Festival would be
taking place on 5th and 6th September, 2009
with various events taking place. The Festival would also be
attended by a Tall Ship and a naval vessel.
The Vale of Glamorgan Tourist brochure
produced in collaboration with Bridgend County Borough Council was
to be published in January 2010.
(ii) The Committee
expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Vale of Glamorgan
Council for their continued support in the provision of secretarial
services to the Advisory Committee.
(i) Date of
Next Meeting -
AGREED - T H A T the next meeting be held
on Wednesday, 16th September, 2009 at 5.15 p.m. at the
Cardiff Harbour Authority Offices.
- - - - -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes be noted.
Reason for decision
To note the information received.
C583
REVENUE AND CAPITAL MONITORING: 1ST APRIL -
31ST MAY, 2009 (REF) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment) had, on 21st July, 2009 considered the
above (Min. No. 224) when discussion had ensued on the projected
adverse variance due largely to the pressure on Leisure Centres.
Members had considered that the situation in respect of
leisure provision should be brought urgently to the attention of
Cabinet in order that action could be taken to address the issues
concerning the deficit within Leisure Services.
The Leader drew attention to the fact that a
report on future options for Leisure Centres was being submitted to
that Scrutiny Committee this evening and that the issues raised
would be a matter for ongoing consideration. The position in
relation to the deficit would continue to be addressed by
Cabinet.
RESOLVED - T H A T the recommendations from
the Scrutiny Committee be noted, particularly that relating to the
Leisure Services budget.
Reason for decision
To reflect the ongoing nature of the
matter.
C584
TENANT ASSOCIATION COMPACT (REF) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Housing and Public
Protection) had, on 23rd July, 2009 considered the draft
compact as appended to the report and had recommended the same to
Cabinet for approval subject to the Director of Finance, ICT and
Property approving appropriate financial controls and procedures
contained within or arising from the Compact as deemed necessary
prior to the signing of the revised Compacts (Min. No.
247).
The Cabinet Member indicated that a signing
ceremony would be organised later in the year to which the Leader
would be invited.
RESOLVED - T H A T the Tenant Association
Compact, as appended to the report, be approved.
Reason for decision
To allow the introduction of a single Compact
covering all Tenants Associations and to ensure that proper audit
and control of Council resources were in place.
C585
FOOD LAW ENFORCEMENT PLAN 2009/10 (REF) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Housing and Public
Protection) had, on 23rd July, 2009 considered the above
and recommended the same to Cabinet for approval. That
Committee had also recommended that the Head of Public Protection
address the resource shortfall identified in the above Plan by
using a risk based approach to reallocate existing resources within
the Public Protection Division (Min. No. 250).
RESOLVED - T H A T the Food Law Enforcement
Service Plan be approved and that the Head of Public Protection
explore options for re-allocating resources within Public
Protection to address the resource shortfall in food law
enforcement using a risk based approach.
Reason for decision
To allow the Council to comply with the
statutory Food Law Code of Practice (Wales) and so that statutory
obligations in respect of such functions were met by the
Council.
C586
SUBSCRIPTION TO THE 'BIG LIST' IN THE BIG ISSUE (REF)
-
Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources) had,
on 28th July, 2009 considered a request for
consideration from Councillor R.F. Curtis in respect of the
above. For the cost of £250 the Council would receive 51
issues of the Big Issue, its corporate name printed in each
magazine, a regular article on the Big List pages and links to the
Council's website from that of the Big Issue in addition to helping
to support homeless people. Whilst the report had proposed
that consideration be given to facilitating an application for
grant, Members recommended instead that Cabinet be requested to
consider subscribing to the 'Big List' at a cost of £250 with the
situation to be reviewed after 12 months (Min. No. 273).
RESOLVED - T H A T the Council subscribe to
the 'Big List' at a cost of £250, with the situation to be reviewed
over 12 months.
Reason for decision
To assist the Big Issue in its work as well as
promoting the Council itself.
C587
CABINET FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2009 (CX)
(SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
Appended to the report was the Forward Work
Programme of the Cabinet/Council for the period September to
December 2009 together with details of those reports still to be
received from the Work Programme covering the period May to July
2009.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Forward Work Programme for the period September to December
2009, as amended at the meeting, together with the publication of
details of the availability of the programme, be noted.
(2) T H A
T the reasons supplied by officers for the non-submission of items
from the previous Work Programme May to July 2009 be noted and
continue to be monitored by Cabinet.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2000,
subordinate legislation and the Council's Constitution.
(2) For
information and for monitoring purposes.
C588
VALE OF GLAMORGAN RESPONSE TO DRAFT FLOOD AND WATER MANAGEMENT BILL
(DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
In April 2009 the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and WAG had published a draft Flood
and Water Management Bill together with an associated consultation
document. Those documents set out how flood and coastal risk
management (FCRM) in England and Wales would be managed in the
future and provided the basis for a new legislative framework
supporting a more integrated approach to water management.
The Bill would enable local authorities to lead on local flood risk
management. County and Unitary authorities would be
responsible for local flood risk assessment, mapping and planning
in relation to ordinary watercourses, surface run-off and ground
water. They would also lead the production of local surface
water management plans and the agreement of the associated
programmes of work. There would be a duty for all relevant
authorities to co-operate and share information. The Bill
would increase the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems
(SUDS). The SUDS would be adopted and maintained by the
County and Unitary Local Authorities. That new maintenance
role, and other new burdens, would be funded by the transfer of
responsibility for private sewers to sewerage companies. The
Bill would give County or Unitary Local Authorities, the
Environment Agency and Internal Drainage Boards the powers to
designate formally natural and man-made features which helped
manage flood or coastal erosion risk. The substantial
resource implications associated with the enactment of the
legislation were noted. The detailed resource requirements
would need to be assessed once the legislation had been finalised
and Members registered concern that there was, as yet, no
indication of additional funding being made available.
The Council was currently considering a number
of flood risk sites within the Vale as part of its flood risk
management work which was being carried out in conjunction with
WAG's grant aid programme. Appended to the report was the
list of the flood risk areas currently being considered.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Having considered the above and related
issues, it was
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Council's response to the consultation process as appended to
the report be approved.
(2) T H A
T the implications for the Council in terms of funding and
resources be noted.
(3) T H A
T the report be submitted to the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment).
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure that Cabinet is aware of the issues for further
consideration being addressed in the Bill.
(2) To
ensure that Cabinet is aware of the likely implications arising
from the new legislation.
(3) To
enable further discussion to take place on these issues.
C589
SUNBEDS IN LEISURE CENTRES (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
Having previously deferred issues pertaining
to sunbeds in the Council's leisure centres in June 2009,
consideration was given to the additional information now available
- particularly the fact that the International Agency for Research
(IARC) had stated that the use of sun-beds was definitely
carcinogenic to humans. The Cabinet Member publicly refuted
the view expressed by some that this Council allowed the use of
unsupervised sunbeds within its leisure centres.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T all sun-beds be withdrawn from the Council's leisure centres at
the earliest opportunity.
(2) T H A
T WAG be requested to implement a blanket ban on all sunbeds.
Reason for decision
(1&2) To promote healthy
lifestyles.
C590
CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PLANS (DEER) (SCRUTINY -
ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
The Conservation Studio (Consultants) was
appointed in September 2008 to prepare Conservation Area Appraisals
in respect of the Barry Garden Suburb, Barry Marine, Bonvilston,
Cadoxton, East Aberthaw, Flemingston, Gileston, Llanbethery,
Llancarfan, Llysworney, St. Hilary, St. Nicholas and Wenvoe
Conservation Areas. A preliminary consultation exercise was
carried out at the start of the process to gather the views of
owners/occupiers in the Conservation Areas and a second
consultation exercise was carried out once the draft appraisals had
been prepared. The resulting responses had been analysed and
amendments incorporated as appropriate. A copy of those
representations and Council's response was appended to the
report.
The Cabinet Member referred to correspondence
addressed to him objecting to the proposals in respect of Gileston
and to the views expressed at a community meeting held on
7th July - a summary of which was contained in Appendix
A to the report. Whilst the concerns raised in respect of
Gileston where not dissimilar to those raised regarding other
conservation areas, he drew attention to the fact that the Vale of
Glamorgan Unitary Development Plan gave much more protection to the
rural areas than the Plan extant at the time the conservation areas
had been designated, He indicated that all representations
had been fully considered and that it was now appropriate to make
the revisions proposed in the report to ensure that the designation
and boundaries of the conservation areas remained relevant and
logical. The Cabinet Member undertook to respond direct to
the latest correspondence addressed to him and to Councillor
Thomas.
The preparation of an Appraisal and Management
Plan fulfilled the Council's statutory duties under Sections 69 and
71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act
1990. Best practice dictated that such a document provided a
firm basis for making decisions relating to the preservation or
enhancement of the Conservation Area. In addition, such
documents would form part of the evidence base for the Local
Development Plan which was currently under preparation. As
part of the character appraisal process, a thorough survey and
review of the existing boundaries of each of the conservation areas
had been undertaken and the summary of the findings and
recommendations was outlined within the report.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T, subject to consultation
with the Planning Committee, the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment) and the Conservation Advisory Group:
(1) The 13
Appraisals and Management Plans be approved and be formally adopted
by the Council under Section 71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings
and Conservation Areas) Act, and as Supplementary Planning Guidance
to the adopted Unitary Development Plan 1996 - 2011.
(2) The
Appraisal and Management Plan documents be published and
distributed in local libraries and made available for viewing and
downloading on the Council's website.
(3) The First
Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government and CADW be formally
advised of the adoption of the Appraisals by this Council and be
provided with a boundary plan of the areas to which each
designation applied for identification and record
purposes.
(4) An
advertisement be placed in a local newspaper and the London Gazette
notifying of any variation made to the Conservation Area boundary
with particulars of its effect.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
guide development proposals within and affecting the setting of
those Conservation Areas and to interpret, augment and clarify
Policy ENV17 of the Adopted Unitary Development Plan 1996 - 2011 as
it related to those areas.
(2) To
fulfil the Council's duty under Section 71 of the Planning (Listed
Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to formulate and publish
proposals for the preservation and enhancement of Conservation
Areas.
(3&4) As required by Section 70 of
the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act
1990.
C591
BUILDING SERVICES - GAS SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE PARTNERING
ARRANGEMENTS (DEER) (SCRUTINY - HOUSING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION)
-
Approval was sought to implement a Partnering
Agreement to undertake gas servicing and maintenance to gas
appliances in respect of the Council's housing stock and to adopt
the Fusion 21 Framework for the selection and management of the
partnering service.
The review of services undertaken within the
Building Services Section in 2006 had recommended that the service
looked at the viability of developing partnering
opportunities. Subsequent research had identified a suitable
organisation which provided a national procurement solution for
Registered Social Landlords and public bodies in the housing
sector, that organisation being Fusion 21. Fusion 21 was a
social economy business that operated nationally helping clients
deliver capital and cyclical works programmes whilst generating
financial savings by utilising economies of scale and improved
service delivery. The Council's Corporate Procurement Team
had undertaken detailed consultation with Fusion 21 following which
it had concluded that the Fusion 21 Framework would be a viable
option to deliver gas servicing and repairs on Council owned
domestic properties, including service administration and quality
control. The tendering process had commenced in March 2009;
expressions of interest had been sent to all six contractors on
Fusion 21 Framework with positive responses being received from
four. Based on a selection matrix, a shortlist of two
contractors was identified with the preferred contractor being
determined through a formal assessment centre being undertaken by
Building Services, Housing Services and tenant representatives.
It was envisaged that the new service delivery
arrangement would provide additional certainty over the cost of
provision and assist in improving the overall service delivery to
the Council's tenants through the provision of an integrated
planned and response works programme. It was anticipated that
the earliest any Partnering Agreement could be implemented would be
October/November 2009. It was noted that the total cost of
the partnering arrangement based on the submitted preferred tender
identified a fixed price annual charge estimated at £389k. which
represented an annual saving over the current costs of the
provision of the service. It was also noted that the
implementation of a partnering arrangement would impact on staff
undertaking gas servicing, administration and supervision and that
local socio economic sustainability had been addressed in respect
of training, employment opportunities and initiatives which would
support the local economy.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the appointment of Fusion 21 for the selection and management of
the gas partnering service be approved.
(2) T H A
T the introduction of a Partnering Agreement between the Vale of
Glamorgan Council and P.H. Jones Ltd. for the provision of domestic
gas servicing and repairs to be authority's housing stock be
endorsed.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
approve the utilisation of the Fusion 21 Framework.
(2) To
ensure the authority meets its legislative commitments to provide a
repairs service for its domestic housing stock and undertake
regular servicing of gas appliances.
C592
DYFFRYN GARDENS MANAGEMENT (DEER) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES)
-
Since 2000 the maintenance of the Gardens had
been undertaken by Parks and Grounds Maintenance within the Visible
Services Division. During the same period responsibility for
the Gardens restoration, future development of the House and events
at the Gardens had rested with the Dyffryn Gardens Project Manager
and others within the Economic Development and Leisure
Division. It was considered that now, as completion of the
Gardens restoration approached in 2010 and the focus for
restoration would turn to the House, it was an appropriate time to
consider the management and administration of the House and Gardens
as a single unit. Following discussions within the
Directorate it had been decided that the Dyffryn Gardens Project
Manager would take over the day to day management of all activities
at Dyffryn including overall management of the garden staff.
Arrangements were already in place in order to achieve a smooth
transition and the proposal was at present cost neutral.
Approval was sought, however, for the transfer of the relevant
Gardens maintenance budget of £515,285.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the transfer of the
budgetary provision establishment and management of staff for the
maintenance of Dyffryn Gardens from Visible Services to Economic
Development and Leisure in accordance with Paragraph 5.6 of the
Council's Financial Regulations be approved.
Reason for decision
To comply with the Council's Financial
Regulations.
C593
FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITIES - FINANCIAL RESERVES (DFICTP) (SCRUTINY
- CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
Consideration was given to the request from
WAG to sign the agreement attached to the report as a constituent
Authority of the Fire and Rescue Services (FRAs) by 28th
September, 2009, to come into force on 1st December,
2009, which would enable FRAs to establish financial reserves.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Having regard to the contents of the report it
was
RESOLVED - T H A T the Director of Finance,
ICT and Property be authorised to sign and return the agreement as
requested by WAG.
Reason for decision
To return the signed agreement to WAG.
C594
COWBRIDGE LOWER SCHOOL SITE - TRUST LAND (DLD) (SCRUTINY - LIFELONG
LEARNING) -
The Trust Committee had previously sought
Counsel's opinion as to ways in which proceeds from the disposal of
the Lower School site could be used to support the redevelopment of
Cowbridge Comprehensive School at the Aberthin Road site. Due
to the specialist nature and volume of the work, Counsel's fees
were now estimated at £5,000. Cabinet had previously resolved
that the original estimated cost of £1,000 should be met from the
Education Service budget.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T Counsel's fees of up to
£5,000 be met from the Education Services budget.
Reason for decision
To progress Cowbridge Comprehensive School
Trust's challenge of the Charity Commission's decision that
proceeds from the sale of the Lower School site could not be used
to develop the new school.
C595
NEW LIBRARY BYELAWS (DLD) (SCRUTINY - LIFELONG LEARNING)
-
Revised model byelaws in respect of libraries
had been issued by WAG. Accordingly, draft Vale of Glamorgan
Library Byelaws 2009 were appended to the report. The Council
was required to submit a draft of the byelaws to WAG for approval
and then, once approved, the Council was required to give notice of
the new byelaws in the local press and make a sealed copy of the
byelaws available for public inspection for one month after the
publication of the press notices. On completion of that
process, and on receipt of documentary proof that the correct
procedure had been followed, WAG would confirm the adoption of the
byelaws, a copy of which had to be displayed in all library
premises.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the new Vale of Glamorgan Council Library Byelaws 2009 as
appended to the report be approved by Cabinet (subject to any
typographical errors being corrected) and forwarded to Council for
adoption and for the revocation of the existing byelaws.
(2) T H A
T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be
authorised to seal and date the byelaws on behalf of the Council
and take all necessary steps to advertise the said byelaws and make
application to the appropriate Minister at the WAG for approval and
confirmation of said byelaws.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
enable the adoption and implementation of new library byelaws.
(2) To
conform with the requirement that any byelaws must be confirmed by
WAG in order to be effective in law.
C596
COWBRIDGE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL 6TH FORM SITE (DLD)
(SCRUTINY - LIFELONG LEARNING) -
As the new 6th Form building on the
upper Cowbridge Comprehensive School site was scheduled to open on
September 2010, the current 6th Form accommodation and
associated land would become surplus from June 2010. The site
lay immediately outside the residential settlement boundary as
defined by the Vale of Glamorgan Unitary Development Plan 1996-2011
although the site was immediately surrounded by residential
properties on all but one side. The Council owned the
freehold interest in the land and buildings and it was noted that,
where the land had been declared surplus to requirements, detailed
policy guidance on alternative uses would be essential.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the land and buildings occupied by Cowbridge Comprehensive School
6th Form be declared as surplus to requirements, subject
to the successful completion of the construction of alternative
accommodation already underway.
(2) T H A
T the disposal of the land and buildings at Cowbridge Comprehensive
School 6th Form site be approved, subject to the
successful completion of the construction of alternative
accommodation currently underway.
(3) T H A
T the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration be
instructed to prepare a Planning Brief or Planning Advice Statement
for the site and buildings to inform the disposal process.
(4) T H A
T the Director of Finance, ICT and Property be authorised to
negotiate terms and conditions for the disposal of the buildings
and land at the appropriate time in consultation with the Director
of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services and the Leader and
relevant Cabinet Members.
(5) T H A
T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be
authorised to prepare, complete and execute the required legal
documentation in consultation with the relevant Cabinet
Members.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure adherence to Council policy requiring that land and
buildings be declared surplus prior to disposal.
(2) To
facilitate the disposal of the land and buildings in a manner that
benefits the Council and adequately protects its interests.
(3) To
provide policy guidance on permissible future use of the site.
(4) To
ensure that the Director of Finance, ICT and Property obtains best
value for the buildings and land in consultation with the Director
of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services.
(5) To
formalise the disposal of the buildings and land.
C597
LAND ADJACENT TO 7 CROFT JOHN, PENMARK (DLPPHS AND DFICTP)
(SCRUTINY - HOUSING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION) -
The owner of 7 Croft John had requested that
consideration be given to the purchase or lease of land delineated
in the plan appended to the report alongside 7 Croft John.
The aforesaid land contained a communal cesspit in the south
eastern corner which served the majority of the adjacent Council
and private properties and was still in the ownership of the
Council. The ongoing costs of maintenance to the land in
question was considered a burden to the Housing Revenue
Account.
Having regard to the above, it was considered
preferable for the Council to enter into a lease as that would
allow the Council to retain greater rights of access to the
cesspit.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services and
the Director of Finance, ICT and Property in consultation with the
relevant Cabinet Members be authorised to enter into negotiation
and agree suitable terms for the granting of a lease of the land
delineated on the map appended to the report to the owner of 7
Croft John, Penmark.
(2) T H A
T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be
authorised to prepare, complete and execute the required legal
documentation for the lease.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
facilitate effective management of the Council's land assets.
(2) To
complete the grant of the lease.
C598
SUPPORTING PEOPLE OPERATIONAL PLAN 2009/10 - 2010/11 (DLPPHS)
(SCRUTINY - HOUSING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION) -
Under WAG guidance, all Councils were required
to develop a Supporting People Operational Plan (SPOP) for the
delivery of supported accommodation services. In line with
the guidance, the Council established a Supporting People Planning
Group (SPPG) to co-ordinate and develop the SPOP. Membership
of the SPPG comprised officers from the Council, the National
Probation Service, the Vale Local Health Board and the voluntary
sector. The SPOP had been made available to Members and the
main issues in respect of the development and provision of
supported accommodation services for the Vale of Glamorgan were
outlined within the report as summarised below:
·
Through what was described in the report as a 'self assessment'
process 83.14% of those individuals contacted identified a support
need, the most important serious issues self selected by clients
being homelessness/potentially homeless, mental health, physical
mobility, domestic abuse, learning disabilities and young and
vulnerable.
·
The current supply of services in the Vale showed that there were
high levels of supported accommodation for older people, people
with learning disabilities, those with mental health issues and
those with physical mobility issues; it showed, however, that there
were lower levels of supported accommodation specifically for
clients with a chronic illness, single parents and
ex-offenders.
·
The SPPG determined that there was a priority to develop, amongst
other things a second Extra Care Scheme for clients with either a
physical mobility issue, mental health issue, learning disability,
chronic illness or a combination of some or all of the above.
There was also a priority to expand the Telecare service and the
need to develop floating support and supported housing for clients
of different ages jointly funded with community care for clients
with various support and care needs.
·
The SPPG also determined that under the Supported People Revenue
Grant regime, there was a priority to develop a specialist
homelessness hostel and specialist accommodation for the young and
vulnerable, those suffering from domestic abuse and for high risk
offenders. In addition, there was also the need to develop
additional floating support provision for various client groups
across all tenures.
The total cost of the new services identified
in the SPOP was estimated at £2.6m. It was noted that there
would also be capital funding requirements for some of the projects
which had yet to be calculated and that the mis-match in the Vale
in terms of available resources was an issue that required further
exploration with partners and with WAG. The Cabinet Member
indicated that it was unlikely that there would be any additional
funding made available for at least two years.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Supporting People Operational Plan 2009/10 - 2010/11 be
approved.
(2) T H A
T the use of the Urgency Procedure under Article 13 of the
Council's Constitution be approved to enable the Supporting People
Operational Plan to be submitted to WAG by 30th
September, 2009.
(3) T H A
T the report be referred to the Scrutiny Committee (Housing and
Public Protection).
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure that the Council complies with the timetable requirements of
WAG.
(2) To
meet the WAG deadline.
(3) For
information.
C599
LEASES HELD BY COWBRIDGE FIRST SCOUT GROUP AND COWBRIDGE AMATEUR
DRAMATIC SOCIETY (DFICTP AND DLPPHS) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE
RESOURCES) -
Both the Cowbridge First Scout Group and
Cowbridge Amateur Dramatic Society each held a lease over a parcel
of land to the rear of the Cattle Market (known locally as the
Sheep Market). Both leases expired on 24th March,
2009. Both leases granted rights of access over the Cattle
Market Site at all times other than market days. It was noted
that the right of access would have a bearing on the Council's
plans for the Cattle Market site, the lease thereof expiring on
31st March, 2011. The Scouts Group had served
notice upon the Council to terminate its lease on the contractual
date of 24th March, 2009 and sought a new 25 year lease
with effect from 25th March, 2009 on the same terms as
the current lease. The Amateur Dramatic Society had not done
so.
Since one of the options available to the
Council when the lease for the Cattle Market expired in 2011 was to
dispose of the site, access/egress rights in relation to both the
Scouts and Amateur Dramatic Society's leases would have to be
addressed as part of any lease renewal negotiations.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the content of the report regarding the status of the two
separate leases held by the Cowbridge First Scout Group and
Cowbridge Amateur Dramatic Society respectively on land at the rear
of Cowbridge Cattle Market be noted.
(2) T H A
T the Director of Finance, ICT and Property and the Director of
Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be authorised to
negotiate and agree appropriate amendments to the current lease
terms with regard to access rights and any other matters during
renewal of the two leases in consultation with the Leader and
Deputy Leader.
(3) T H A
T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be
authorised to execute new leases incorporating any amendments
agreed with the tenants during lease renewal negotiations.
Reasons for decisions
(1) In
order to inform and update Cabinet Members.
(2) In
order to protect the Council's strategic interests in relation to
the two sites as well as the Cowbridge Cattle Market site.
(3) In
order to complete the renewal of the two leases.
C600
CAPITAL MONITORING: 1ST APRIL - 31ST JULY,
2009 (CMT) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -
Appendix 1 to the report detailed financial
progress on the Capital Programme as of 31st July,
2009. Specific reference was made to
·
Safety Camera Partnership whereby the Council had received a WAG
grant approval in the sum of £30,000 for various road safety
measures along the A48 at Pentre Meyrick. The Capital
Programme 2009/10 would require to be increased by £30,000
accordingly.
·
Atlantic Trading Estate demolition. For the reasons outlined
in the report, the current Capital Programme required to be reduced
to £15,000 to reflect the actual spend anticipated.
·
Dyffryn Gardens Phase 1. Given the delay in respect of the
restoration of the glasshouses, it was proposed that the sum of
£149,000 remain in the 2009/10 Capital Programme to cover the
walled garden expenditure and glasshouse groundworks whilst the
balance of £400,000 be slipped into 2010/11 to cover the
installation of the glass houses.
Details were then presented of variances
between actual spend to date in respect of schemes having a value
of over £500,000 (where that variance was 20% or more) and the
profiled spend. The schemes meeting that criteria were listed
as
·
Cowbridge Comprehensive School remodelling - actual spend to date
being £389,000 over profile due to earlier than anticipated
progress
·
Public Sector Housing (central heating and boiler renewals) -
actual spend being £280,000 over profile due to works commencing
earlier than originally projected.
·
Private Sector Housing (Disabled Facilities Grants) - actual spend
being £104,000 behind profile due to a slower start than had been
projected.
·
Penarth Marina Escarpment - expenditure on the scheme being
£109,000 behind profile due to the delay in the completion of a
stability report.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the following changes to
the Capital Programme be approved and, where appropriate, referred
to Council:
·
Safety Camera Partnership - increase the 2009/10 Capital Programme
by £30,000 (funded from WAG grant)
·
Atlantic Trading Estate demolition - reduce the current budget to
£15,000
·
Dyffryn Gardens Phase 1 - reduce the budget to £149,000 (carry
forward £400,000 into 2010/11) (reference to Council).
Reason for decision
To allow schemes to be undertaken in this or
future financial years.
C601
REVENUE MONITORING: 1ST APRIL - 31ST JULY,
2009 (CMT) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -
The projected outturn for the 2009/10 Revenue
Budget was for a balanced budget on the Council Revenue Budget and
the Housing Revenue Account. Specific details were reported
in respect of Social Services where the current forecast was for a
balanced budget. As regards Children and Young Peoples
Services, it was anticipated that the current favourable variance
of £81k. would be off-set by the end of the year and that the
Service would outturn on target. Adult Services also showed a
favourable variance, this time of £37k. on the profiled budget due
mainly to savings within the employee budgets and which it was
anticipated would be used to off-set recruitment costs.
Attention was once again drawn to the particularly volatile nature
of each of the above three services which could be adversely
affected by external influences and that the budget in each case
would continue to be closely monitored. As regards Economic
Development and Leisure, whilst the service was anticipating a net
overall balanced budget, there was currently a deficit on Leisure
Services of £45k. which, it was predicted, could result in an
overspending for the year of £250k.; this would be met by £125k.
from within the Directorate and the remainder funded from
Policy.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the position with regard to
the Council's 2009/10 Revenue Budget be noted.
Reason for decision
To make Members aware of the projected revenue
outturn for 2009/10.
C602
MATTER WHICH THE CHAIRMAN HAD DECIDED WAS URGENT -
RESOLVED - T H A T the following matter which
the Chairman had decided was urgent by reason of the need to ensure
the timely delivery of the Action Plan be considered.
C603
CASE MANAGEMENT INQUIRY ACTION PLAN - PROGRESS REPORT (DSS)
(SCRUTINY - SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH) -
The Directorate continued to make progress
with the considerable and challenging change programme which the
aforementioned Action Plan required. An updated version of
the Plan was appended to the report which showed that all the
actions scheduled for July and August had been completed and that
other work was on schedule. The Social Services Improvement
Agency had undertaken a review of policies and procedures across
local authorities and had brought forward some examples of good
practice which would inform the ongoing developmental work in the
Directorate. It was noted, too, that the Care Social Services
Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) had undertaken an inspection of this
Council's Adult Placement Scheme. The report was not yet
available but findings of that inspection would be used to decide
whether any enforcement action might be necessary under the Care
Standards Act 2000. It was noted that there had been no
formal approach to the Council about the timing of the planned
review by CSSIW which would have a specific focus on the particular
issues raised by the case in question.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the progress report on the programme of work arising from Action
Plan be accepted.
(2) T H A
T this progress report be referred to the next meeting of the
Scrutiny Committee (Social Care and Health).
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure that Cabinet is aware of the progress made and that the
actions in the plan are achieved promptly and with the right
outcomes for people who depend on good quality social care
services.
(2) To
ensure that the Scrutiny Committee is able to exercise effective
oversight in the way in which the Action Plan is implemented.