Loading
At its meeting on 8 February 2022, Cabinet approved a remedial programme for failing wall insulation in Caerau, a £50,000 contribution to the 2023 Senior Open golf championship and a three-year plan for children's social care. It also approved the consultation report on enlarging Mynydd Cynffig Primary School, agreed that a revised capital programme go to Council, and agreed to consider scrutiny's budget recommendations.
Councillor CE Smith - agenda item 10 - School Modernisation Programme: Outcome of the Consultation on Schools’ Modernisation Proposal to Enlarge Mynydd Cynffig Primary School - Personal interest as he has nephews and nieces who attend and will attend Mynydd Cynffig Primary School. Councillor J Gebbie - agenda item 10 - School Modernisation Programme: Outcome of the Consultation on Schools’ Modernisation Proposal to Enlarge Mynydd Cynffig Primary School - Prejudicial interest as Chair of Governors of Mynydd Cynffig Primary School and withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the item. Councillor D Patel – agenda item 8 – A Future Approach to Employability - Personal interest as the officer referred to in the report is known to her and withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the item. Councillor HJ David – agenda item 8 – A Future Approach to Employability - Personal interest as the officer referred to in the report is known to him. Councillor HM Williams – agenda item 8 – A Future Approach to Employability - Personal interest as the officer referred to in the report is known to him.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet of 18 January 2022 be approved as a true and accurate record subject to an amendment being made by re-wording the following sentence in minute number 770 - Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022-23 to 2025-26, paragraph 14 by deleting the following sentence “The Deputy Leader welcomed the report and stated that while he was predisposed, his mind open and welcomed any input from Members” and replacing it with the following wording “The Deputy Leader welcomed the report and his mind is open and welcomed any input from Members.”
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Cabinet: 1. Noted the award in principle of funding of up to £2.65 million from Welsh Government to carry out essential remedial work required to properties in Caerau, following the failure of wall insulation work installed in 2012/13. 2. Approved that the Council submits a detailed business case, as required in the offer of funding from Welsh Government, by 28 February 2022, to secure the funding and delegates authority to the Chief Executive and Chief Officer - Finance, Performance and Change for the submission of the business case and to accept any final offer. 3. Approved that a sum of £855,000 is included as the Council’s estimated contribution towards a total programme of work costing £3.5 million, which will be included within the updated Capital Programme report to be recommended to Council on 9 February 2022. 4. Approved implementation of the remedial scheme, including any procurement and ancillary arrangements and delegated authority to the Chief Executive to enter into the necessary arrangements, subject to receipt of the funding from Welsh Government and Council approval of the capital contribution.
The Chief Executive sought approval to submit a business case to Welsh Government by 28 February 2022, to secure a provisional offer of funding towards carrying out essential remedial work required to properties in Caerau following the failure of wall insulation work installed in 2012/13. He also sought Cabinet support for a request to be made for a Council capital allocation to be approved and included as part of that business case submission, to ensure a comprehensive scheme is developed to address all affected properties. The Chief Executive reported that Cabinet had been advised previously in November 2020 and March 2021 of the failure of wall insulation work, which had shown significant signs of water ingress and damp to properties in Caerau. He had been given delegated authority by Cabinet to engage with relevant stakeholders involved in the programmes of work to install wall insulation in Caerau in 2012/13 and explore options to address and remedy the failing work identified. It was also agreed that a further report to Cabinet be presented outlining the outcome of continued engagement with the likes of OFGEM the energy regulator, UK Government and in particular Welsh Government, when any solutions had been agreed. The Chief Executive reported that 104 properties had wall insulation work carried out in Caerau at that time, with the Council administering the funding for 25 of these properties using the Arbed scheme, through funding granted by Welsh Government. He stated that the other 79 properties had work completed using the UK Government sponsored community energy saving programme (CESP), with no involvement of the Council in the work. He informed Cabinet that it had been the Council’s position to find a comprehensive solution with the other stakeholders to address all of the failing wall insulation work, regardless of who funded and administered the original work. He reported that an offer has been made by the Welsh Government of funding in principle subject to the Council submitting a detailed business case for approval by the deadline of 28 February 2022. The offer of funding is predicated on an initial outline business case the Council submitted last year and on the basis that this Council will also make a financial contribution towards the overall scheme. He stated that it was very difficult at this stage to accurately estimate the total cost of the full programme as there are various unknowns, as following a survey undertaken in 2019, the problems existed to varying degrees in the homes surveyed. He informed Cabinet that the cost to strip off and replace the existing cladding could be based on up to £30,000 per home, with the total cost of the full programme being £3.5m. On that basis, a request would be made to Council to contribute funding of £855,000. He stated that discussions continue between the Welsh Government and the UK Government on the possibility of funding through the UK Government ‘Eco’ scheme, which would reduce the overall cost to each contributor. The Chief Executive reported that the proposed scheme is intended to improve housing in an electoral ward with some of the most severe socio-economic issues in Wales and will have a positive impact on economic, social and health conditions for local residents. He also informed Cabinet that the proposed programme of work will impact positively on local residents’ well-being and ensure the original intentions of the energy efficiency schemes carried out in 2012/13 are realised, including better insulated homes and lower energy bills, which will help address fuel poverty issues. He outlined the financial implications of the remedial work, with an award in principle from Welsh Government of funding of £2.65 million, with the Council’s match funding contribution met from an existing earmarked reserve. The Cabinet Member Communities in commending the proposal stated that what is being offered is a complete solution for the affected properties and he apologised profusely to the residents for the failings of the wall insulation work. He was grateful for the work by officers to secure funding to remedy the defects to the properties in Caerau. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations questioned how long residents will have to wait for the remedial work to take place. The Chief Executive informed Cabinet that firstly, a successful business case would have to be submitted and in the event of that being successful, funding will be allocated over 2 years. It was hoped that the Council would receive funding by the end of this financial year to enable consultation to take place with residents, prior to a survey being undertaken of the properties. He stated that it was anticipated that the work will commence in 2022/23, with the bulk of the work taking place in 2023/24. The Leader commented that the Council had received an in-principle award of funding and he hoped that the Welsh Government would consider the business case without delay to enable consultation to commence with residents in order to move forward with the remedial work. The Chief Executive stated that the Welsh Government recognises the need to address the work to the properties as quickly as possible. The Deputy Leader recognised the challenges posed by the work to the properties and asked what the possibility of funding was being received from the UK Government. The Chief Executive informed Cabinet that work to 79 out of the 104 properties had been carried out using the UK Government sponsored Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) and the Council had no involvement in the work and that funding may be available from the UK Government. He stated that the Welsh Government had made a commitment to funding, which may in turn see some movement from the UK Government. He informed Cabinet of the importance in not delaying until UK Government funding was known and Cabinet should proceed as recommended. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations questioned which methods would be used to procure the remedial works, given the shortage in construction materials and she also asked for the timescale for the completion of the work. The Chief Executive stated that the remedial work was specialised in nature and companies expert in this field would be sought as part of the procurement process. He informed Cabinet that engagement with the residents would take place prior to the procurement process and that realistically most of the remedial work would be undertaken during 2023/24, avoiding the winter months. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations questioned whether a very tight timescale had been set by the Welsh Government. The Chief Executive stated that he was reassured by the Welsh Government’s commitment who had recognised the unique circumstances in Caerau. He also stated that if necessary, funding could be moved forward. The Leader questioned whether Building Control will be involved in quality assurance from the outset. The Chief Executive stated there were different quality standards to be adhered to and that monitoring will be an important part of the process. He also stated that there is a recognition to get the right people involved with Building Control and that the remedial work will be done well. The Leader on behalf of Council reiterated the apologies given by the Cabinet Member Communities and reassured residents that the remedial work will be done correctly. He stated that further information on the remedial works will be shared with residents and local members. RESOLVED: That Cabinet: 1. Noted the award in principle of funding of up to £2.65 million from Welsh Government to carry out essential remedial work required to properties in Caerau, following the failure of wall insulation work installed in 2012/13. 2. Approved that the Council submits a detailed business case, as required in the offer of funding from Welsh Government, by 28 February 2022, to secure the funding and delegates authority to the Chief Executive and Chief Officer - Finance, Performance and Change for the submission of the business case and to accept any final offer. 3. Approved that a sum of £855,000 is included as the Council’s estimated contribution towards a total programme of work costing £3.5 million, which will be included within the updated Capital Programme report to be recommended to Council on 9 February 2022. 4. Approved implementation of the remedial scheme, including any procurement and ancillary arrangements and delegated authority to the Chief Executive to enter into the necessary arrangements, subject to receipt of the funding from Welsh Government and Council approval of the capital contribution.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Cabinet agreed to consider the Recommendations of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in response to the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022-23 to 2025-26 and the Draft Budget Consultation Process.
The Chairperson of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented Cabinet with the findings and recommendations of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee (COSC) on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) proposals. She advised that for ease of reference the COSC had considered the findings of the Budget Research and Evaluation Panel and all Overview and Scrutiny Committees on 1 February 2022 to determine whether the recommendations should be forwarded to Cabinet, as part of the budget consultation process. She stated that the COSC had accepted the recommendations and comments from both the BREP and the Overview and Scrutiny Committees on the MTFS proposals and had agreed to submit them to Cabinet. The Deputy Leader expressed his thanks to the Chairperson of the COSC for presenting the recommendations to Cabinet and added that Cabinet would consider and respond to the recommendations it had received. He stated that some of the recommendations proposed had already been implemented, while other recommendations will require a more detailed piece of work. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations thanked the members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, which is cross party for their participation in scrutinising the MTFS. The Leader also expressed his appreciation for the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees and that of the Budget Research and Evaluation Panel. The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help reassured the Chairperson of the COSC that in relation to Recommendation 6, Cabinet is already lobbying the Welsh Government to ensure that the additional responsibilities placed on the Council through the Additional Learning Needs Bill comes with consequential funding. In relation to Recommendation 8, the Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help stated that Cabinet is very aware of the impact of Covid and long Covid on social care costs, and that the duplication of back-office functions is being looked that to free up social workers’ time. In relation to recommendation 9, a motion to the Welsh Government and Westminster to fund wholesale reform of the social care system with the strategic aim to fund social care fit for the future is being done. In relation to recommendation 10, the Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help stated that re-balancing the market between commissioned and in-house services is being looked at, having regard to younger people being housed by the Council over the long term. The Leader referred to recommendation 5 and asked whether the review it was recommending related to the cost of the providing full time nursery education. The Chairperson of the COSC stated there was no cross-party consensus on this recommendation and the wording of the recommendation had been left vague. The Leader referred to recommendation 11, which related to the Cabinet exploring the potential for increasing charges in Social Services and stated that most of the charges levied are regulated and fixed by the Welsh Government, such as the cap for domiciliary care. The Chairperson of the COSC informed Cabinet that she would ask the Chairperson of the Subject Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2 to respond more fully on that recommendation. The Leader referred to recommendation 14, which recommended that Cabinet explore the potential for charging in relation to the administration fee for the issuing and reissuing of Blue Badges and commented that the Council does not have powers to do so as it administers the scheme. The Cabinet Member Communities requested further clarification as to the intention of recommendation 18 which recommended that Cabinet review and simplify the charging structure for car parking and taper the free parking facility. The Chairperson of the COSC stated that she would seek further clarification on this recommendation with the Chairperson of the Budget Research and Evaluation Panel. The Cabinet Member Communities referred to recommendation 21 which related to the renegotiation of access to 25% of the housing stock and stated that he did not believe this would be possible to do due to the offer document in place with V2C, but this matter could be picked up by the Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations. RESOLVED: That Cabinet agreed to consider the Recommendations of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in response to the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022-23 to 2025-26 and the Draft Budget Consultation Process.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Cabinet agreed that the revised Capital Programme at Appendix A to the report, be submitted to Council for approval.
The Chief Officer Finance Performance and Change sought agreement from Cabinet to present a report to Council for the approval of a revised capital programme for 2021-22 to 2030-31. The Chief Officer Finance, Performance and Change reported that the Council on 24 February 2021 approved a Capital Strategy, incorporating the Prudential Indicators for 2021-22, along with a capital programme covering the period 2020-21 to 2030-31 as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The capital programme had been updated during the year with new schemes, amendments to existing funding packages and changes to delivery profiles. New grant awards, outcomes of tender processes and updates on existing schemes which need including within the capital programme had occurred since the programme was last approved by Council on 19 January 2022. The Chief Officer Finance, Performance and Change informed Cabinet that a capital programme covering the period 2021-22 to 2031-2032 will be presented to Cabinet and Council, on 22 and 23 February 2022 respectively, as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022-23 to 2025-26, alongside the proposed Capital Strategy for 2022-23 to 2031-32. She stated that there exist a number of financial pressures arising as a result of current market conditions, impacted by the pandemic and Brexit. The Chief Officer Finance, Performance and Change reported that the capital programme for 2021-22 to 2030-31 approved by Council in January 2002 is £212,439m, of which £118.094m is met from the Council’s resources, including capital receipts, revenue contributions from earmarked reserves and borrowing, with the remaining £94.345m coming from external resources, including General Capital Grant. She informed Cabinet that the following new schemes now need including in the capital programme, some of which are wholly or partly grant funded, along with others which need amending: • Net Zero Carbon Fleet • Cardiff Capital Region Metro Plus • Ewenny Road Industrial Estate • Porthcawl Regeneration • Brynmenyn Children’s Hub • Community Energy Safety Programme / Arbed Phase 1 • ICT Equipment – Schools • Welsh Government Un-adopted Roads Pilot • Heronsbridge Special School Additional Accommodation The Deputy Leader in commending the revised capital programme commented on the impact of Brexit and Covid on the Council and to the cost of living which had seen an increase in prices submitted by tenderers in tendering for schemes. He highlighted the example of the recent tender of two pedestrian crossings where the sum tendered was 2.5 times the anticipated cost. He welcomed the funding of the Cardiff Capital Region which would see the Cardiff Capital Region Metro Plus and Ewenny Road Industrial Estate come to fruition. The Leader commented on the importance of the funding from the Cardiff Capital Region, without which, the schemes could not happen. The Cabinet Member Communities highlighted the importance to residents of the funding for the adoption of Ynyslas, Porthcawl. He asked for an explanation of the additional investment in ICT equipment for schools. The Corporate Director Education and Family Support explained that the funding had come from the Welsh Government’s Hwb Infrastructure Grant and the funding could be carried over if not spent in this financial year. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations queried the nature of the ICT equipment to be purchased. The Corporate Director Education and Family Support informed Cabinet that resources had been mobilised for equipment for learners that are digitally excluded. Her stated that equipment is purchased from the Welsh Government’s catalogue and schools identify the nature of the ICT equipment to purchase, which is generic in nature which allows for support from ICT. The Leader referred to the proposal for the provision of additional accommodation at Heronsbridge Special School which is necessary to meet the shortfall in pupil accommodation to support learners with complex needs and is a prudent investment. He stated that despite work being progressed for a replacement special school for Heronsbridge, the additional accommodation is needed in the short term sooner. The Corporate Director Education and Family Support stated that learners with complex needs will benefit from 3 specialist facilities and there is a need in the short term to increase capacity to avoid leaners from having to travel. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations questioned the reason for the delay in the Children’s Hub at Brynmenyn. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing stated that an application will be made to secure capital funding from the Regional Integrated Fund, which would delay the project to Spring 2023. RESOLVED: That Cabinet agreed that the revised Capital Programme at Appendix A to the report, be submitted to Council for approval.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Cabinet: · Approved the proposed contribution of £50,000 for the purposes set out in paragraph 4.4 of the report; · Delegated authority to the Corporate Director Communities, in consultation with the Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy and Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change to sign a Rights Agreement on behalf of the Council; Authorised officers to establish and support a Senior Open Championship liaison group for the purposes set out in paragraph 4.6 of the report.
The Corporate Director Communities sought approval for a contribution of funding and officer support from Bridgend County Borough Council to the Senior Open Championship, 2023, to enter into a Rights Agreement and to continue work to establish Royal Porthcawl as a venue capable of hosting the Open Championship. The Corporate Director Communities reported that Bridgend County hosted the first golf major in Wales when Royal Porthcawl hosted the Senior Open Championship in 2014, with over 43,000 people attending the event, generating an estimated economic impact of £2.16m. Additionally, the media equivalence value from comprehensive television coverage for Porthcawl and the County Borough was calculated at a further £5.2m. The event returned to Royal Porthcawl in 2017, attended by over 32,000 people, with the global Media Equivalency Value for Bridgend County, including Royal Porthcawl, calculated at £7.8m. The Corporate Director Communities reported that the Senior Open Championship will return to Royal Porthcawl in 2023 and whilst weather dependent, the event will deliver benefits for the local economy and promotes Porthcawl as a destination across the world. She stated that the Welsh Government is supporting the delivery of the three Senior Open Championships between 2014 and 2024 with a grant of £5m and a request had been made by the event organisers for a contribution from the Council of £50k. The proposed contribution of £50k is the total capped funding package requested from the Council towards the event to cover the costs associated with any or all the costs indicated in the report as considered appropriate by the European Tour (ET) in return for the benefits indicated in the report to the Council and the substantial estimated impact on the local economy. She highlighted the benefits the Championship will provide to the Council. The Corporate Director Communities reported that a liaison group will be established with relevant officer representation and a representative of the ET. The group will aim to provide advice and guidance to the ET to assist with their decision making, broker relationships between the ET and local stakeholders and identify opportunities in relation to local partnership development, business engagement and promotion and marketing for the ET to take forward. The Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration in commending the proposals commented on the significance of the event to Porthcawl, the County Borough and nationally which could not be under-estimated. He stated that the return of the Seniors Open had shown the track record the Council has in delivering the event with its partners. He also stated that the liaison group will strive to get the outcomes for the community with the possibility of complimentary tickets being available to children who are disadvantaged. The Leader stated he supported the idea of making the sport more accessible and inclusive to children who are disadvantaged. The Cabinet Member Communities questioned how the event would be promoted from the M4 to make it more visibly accessible. The Corporate Director stated that of importance to the success of the event is to have a traffic management plan, to include park and ride and it was hoped the metro link would be operational by the time the tournament is held. The Leader stated that the importance of the tournament to the economy could not be over-emphasised, due to the level of media coverage it would bring which encourage visitors to return to the area to holiday. RESOLVED: That Cabinet: · Approved the proposed contribution of £50,000 for the purposes set out in paragraph 4.4 of the report; · Delegated authority to the Corporate Director Communities, in consultation with the Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy and Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change to sign a Rights Agreement on behalf of the Council; Authorised officers to establish and support a Senior Open Championship liaison group for the purposes set out in paragraph 4.6 of the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Cabinet: · Noted the success that has been achieved, and the difference that has been made to the lives of people throughout the County, through the delivery of Employability Bridgend; · Approved the Framework for Future Employability in the CCR as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, which builds on the CCR Employment and Skills plan, and agrees that the framework be used as the basis for officers to work collaboratively across the CCR and Wales to secure suitable future resources for employability work that replace those resources previously available through EU funds; · Noted that the Enterprise and Employability Manager will lead on negotiations with appropriate stakeholders through the LA Cluster Group set out in Appendix 1 in the development of partnership working and associated arrangements based on the principle of a collaborative locally delivered, regionally coordinated approach to employability post-EU; · Noted that in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation the Corporate Director Communities, in consultation with the Corporate Director – Education and Family Support, Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy and Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change will submit proposals to secure resources through the UKSPF and other appropriate funds around employability and any other projects developed around employability in accordance with the framework in Appendix 1 (to the report) and agreed any consequential partnership working and associated agreements which the Council has the power to agree to; Noted that any resulting funding offers will be presented to future meetings of Cabinet as considered appropriate.
The Cabinet Member Communities reported on the success throughout the County through the delivery of Employability Bridgend and sought endorsement for the Framework for Future Employability in the Cardiff Capital Region, which built on the Cardiff Capital Region Employment and Skills plan. It was proposed that the framework be used as the basis for officers to work collaboratively across the Cardiff Capital Region and Wales to secure suitable future resources for employability work that replace those previously available through European Union (EU) funds. The Corporate Director reported that the Enterprise and Employability Manager of the Council would lead on negotiations with appropriate stakeholders in the development of partnership working and associated arrangements. The Corporate Director Communities stated that she would in consultation with the Corporate Director Education and Family Support, Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy and Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change submit proposals to secure resources for employability through appropriate funds and agree partnership working and associated agreements which the Council are able to agree to, in line with the Scheme of Delegation. She stated that any resulting funding offers would be presented to future meetings of Cabinet as considered appropriate for information or decision. The Corporate Director Communities reported that all 10 local authorities in the Cardiff Capital Region currently deliver employability activity to support people into employment or to help them progress to more sustainable or better paid employment. Following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU, European Social Funding (ESF) will no longer be available to support projects to deliver on-going benefits for individuals, communities and the economy of the County Borough. The ESF funded projects that are still active are now entering a closure phase and all projects must close, according to EU rules, by December 2023. The Corporate Director Communities reported that to avoid a gap in the delivery of employability services, the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) has adopted an Employment and Skills Plan, which sets a clear vision of the future skills needs of the CCR and the activities that regional partners need to deliver to achieve this. She stated that to build on this, the 10 CCR Local Authorities have worked together to create a single, clear, consistent framework for future employability projects in the region based on a shared vision, shared principles, and common tools. She informed Cabinet that the framework is based on shared principles, which reflect on the lessons learnt from over 20 years’ experience of delivering employability projects across the region. The Cabinet Member Communities stated that the importance of the employability proposals could not be under-estimated, and he commented that he would like to see engagement with people who have previously benefitted from the support of Employability Bridgend in getting back into employment. The Leader commented that this a big opportunity for the County Borough and he urged residents who are at risk of losing their employment to get in touch with the Employability Team. He stated that the had been successful in bringing the many programmes together and residents should not be deterred in contacting the Team as they will be found the best programme to suit them. RESOLVED: That Cabinet: · Noted the success that has been achieved, and the difference that has been made to the lives of people throughout the County, through the delivery of Employability Bridgend; · Approved the Framework for Future Employability in the CCR as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, which builds on the CCR Employment and Skills plan, and agrees that the framework be used as the basis for officers to work collaboratively across the CCR and Wales to secure suitable future resources for employability work that replace those resources previously available through EU funds; · Noted that the Enterprise and Employability Manager will lead on negotiations with appropriate stakeholders through the LA Cluster Group set out in Appendix 1 in the development of partnership working and associated arrangements based on the principle of a collaborative locally delivered, regionally coordinated approach to employability post-EU; · Noted that in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation the Corporate Director Communities, in consultation with the Corporate Director – Education and Family Support, Chief Officer – Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy and Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change will submit proposals to secure resources through the UKSPF and other appropriate funds around employability and any other projects developed around employability in accordance with the framework in Appendix 1 (to the report) and agreed any consequential partnership working and associated agreements which the Council has the power to agree to; Noted that any resulting funding offers will be presented to future meetings of Cabinet as considered appropriate.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Cabinet considered and approved the 3-year strategic plan for Children’s Social Care in Bridgend attached as Appendix 1 to the report.
The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing presented for approval a 3 year strategic plan for Children’s Social Care in Bridgend. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported that Children’s social care services in Bridgend are fundamental in delivering the Council’s statutory duties under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 to safeguard, protect and improve outcomes for the most vulnerable children in the County Borough, and which had seen an increase in need and complexity of children and families, since the pandemic, with a 40% increase in contacts into children’s social care. She informed Cabinet that, in common with many other local authorities in Wales and across the UK Children’s social care had experienced challenges in the retention and recruitment of children’s social workers. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported that the 3 year strategic plan for Bridgend Children’s social care sets out the purpose of children’s social care in Bridgend and emphasises the importance of culture, behaviour and values in delivering that purpose as well as the strategic actions detailed in the plan. She stated that the governance of the plan will be through an ‘Improving Outcomes for Children Board’ and chaired by the Chief Executive. The Board will provide regular reports on progress to the Cabinet Corporate Management Board, the Cabinet Corporate Parenting Committee and the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Board will provide regular oversight, challenge and direction and ensure that resources are recommended to enable delivery of this plan. The Board will benefit from independent expert advice provided by a specialist in Children’s social care who will advise on the priorities set out, measures and progress. The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help in commending the proposal commented on the necessity for the 3 year strategic plan due to the 40% increase in children requiring care. She stated that is a need to build on the partnerships it had developed, to be pro-active to give stability to children. The Cabinet Member Communities referred to the challenges in recruitment and retention and asked what steps are being taken to address this. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing stated that one of the keys to address recruitment and retention positively is for the Council to grow its own, through the secondments and traineeships. The skill mix of social worker and non-social work staff was being looked at, taking into account good practice in other local authorities. The Cabinet Member Communities asked what steps are being taken to break the cycle so that care experienced children are given life and employment opportunities. She commented on the importance of giving care experienced children the same support as people’s own children so that they have the very best opportunities. She stated that within the new Corporate Parenting Officer’s remit and the Corporate Parenting Strategy would be to ensure that care experienced children to have the same access to opportunities as non-care experienced children. The Leader commented on the importance and success of the work of the Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub and asked whether an opportunity exists to include representatives from the Council’s partners within the governance arrangements. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing stated that the service is at its strongest when it works with its partners. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations asked whether the advice of young people had been sought in shaping the strategy. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing stated that the pandemic had constrained the involvement of young people in shaping the strategy but gave an assurance that engagement with children and young people will be evident in the strategy. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations was disappointed to note that engagement had not taken with young people on the development of the strategy, particularly as the Youth Council had continued to meet during the pandemic. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing explained that young people will help shape the implementation of the plan. She stated that a focus group had been held with young people, but it was not well attended. She informed Cabinet that the remit of the Corporate Parenting Officer will be to engage with children and young people. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations asked whether there is an opportunity to review the plan. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing explained that there is need to ensure the plan has momentum, but it will be reviewed, and the voices of children and young people will be heard. The Deputy Leader questioned whether children and young people have access to the services of independent advocacy. The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing stated that independent advocacy services are commissioned for care experienced children and is a part of the family law process. She stated that when the Corporate Parenting Officer is in place the possibility of including a care experienced person on the Cabinet Committee Corporate Parenting. The Chief Executive commented on the importance of maintaining momentum for the plan and that it can be shaped and changed as it moves forward. RESOLVED: That Cabinet considered and approved the 3-year strategic plan for Children’s Social Care in Bridgend attached as Appendix 1 to the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Cabinet: · Noted the outcome of the consultation with interested parties as detailed in the consultation report and appendices attached to the covering report; · Approved the consultation report for publication; and · Authorised the publication of a public notice on the proposal.
The Corporate Director Education and Family Support reported that Cabinet at its meeting in October 2021, considered the outcome of the feasibility and approved the commencement of a statutory consultation process to enlarge Mynydd Cynffig Primary School to a 2 Form Entry school and a 75-place nursery to be located on the junior site and open with effect from September 2025. Accordingly, consultation exercises were carried out between 30 November 2021 and 12 January 2022 in accordance with the statutory School Organisation Code. He reported that the consultation document invited views and opinions to be submitted in respect of the proposal and Cabinet would need to consider the consultation report and determine the preferred way forward. He stated that should Cabinet proceed with the proposal, the next stage would be to publish a statutory notice outlining the proposals, which would need to be published for a period of 28 days and any formal written objections would be invited during this time. He informed Cabinet that if there are no objections during the public notice period then the proposal can be implemented with the approval of Cabinet. If there are objections at this public notice stage, an objections report will be published summarising the objections and the authority’s response to those objections. He stated that Cabinet would need to consider the proposal in light of objections and could then accept, reject or modify the proposal. The Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration in commending the recommendations stated that the proposals had been revisited because of concerns expressed at the consultation. He stated that the new facility proposed will be great for Kenfig Hill and he thanked all who had taken part on the consultation, which had helped shape the future of the development of the existing Mynydd Cynffig junior school. He also stated that discussions are continuing with the allotment holders and Air Training Corp to ensure their needs are met. He commented on the sustainability of the proposal in that for the first time, the school will be located on one site, which will benefit staff and pupils. The Leader commented that the proposals had been met with genuine enthusiasm when he along with the Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration and Chair of Governors and one of the Ward members had visited the school. He stated that school will feature 2 all-weather sports pitches and would also benefit the wider community. He referred to the concerns expressed by Parents for Welsh Medium Education that the impact on the Welsh Language had not been addressed with the increase in places to be available at Mynydd Cynffig. He stated that the Council will enlarge Welsh medium provision in that cluster with the proposed expansion of Ysgol y Ferch o’r Sger and the proposals for a seedling school in Porthcawl. The Corporate Director Education and Family Support commented on the importance of the proposals for the enlargement of Mynydd Cynffig working for the community. He stated that the Council is committed to providing very strong Welsh and English medium education in the cluster with its proposals for Ysgol y Ferch o’r Sger and the seedling school, in Porthcawl. He informed Cabinet that the proposals for Ysgol y Ferch o’r Sger will be state of the art facility with surplus spaces at the school and he did not anticipate any detriment to the provision of Welsh medium education. RESOLVED: That Cabinet: · Noted the outcome of the consultation with interested parties as detailed in the consultation report and appendices attached to the covering report; · Approved the consultation report for publication; and · Authorised the publication of a public notice on the proposal.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Cabinet: · Approved the Cabinet Forward Work Programme for the period 1 March 2022 to 5 May 2022 at Appendix 1 to the report; Noted the Council and Overview and Scrutiny Committees Forward Work Programmes for the same period, as shown at Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 of the report, respectively.
The Chief Officer Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy presented a report which sought approval for items to be included on the Forward Work Programme for the period 1 March 2022 to 5 May 2022 and for Cabinet to note the Council and Overview and Scrutiny Forward Work Programmes for the same period. The Cabinet Member Wellbeing and Future Generations stated that the publication of the Forward Work Programmes is important for transparency in decision making. RESOLVED: That Cabinet: · Approved the Cabinet Forward Work Programme for the period 1 March 2022 to 5 May 2022 at Appendix 1 to the report; Noted the Council and Overview and Scrutiny Committees Forward Work Programmes for the same period, as shown at Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 of the report, respectively.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Cabinet acknowledged the publication of the document listed in the report: Title Date Published Estyn Inspections For Plasnewydd Primary School, 2 February 2022 Ogmore Vale Primary School, Cefn Cribwr Primary School and Archbishop Mcgrath Catholic High School
The Chief Officer Legal and Regulatory Services, HR and Corporate Policy presented a report, which informed Cabinet of the following information report which had been published since its last scheduled meeting. The Cabinet Member Education and Regeneration congratulated the leadership, teachers, pupils and governing bodies of the schools listed in the Estyn Inspections for the progress they had all made. RESOLVED: That Cabinet acknowledged the publication of the document listed in the report: Title Date Published Estyn Inspections For Plasnewydd Primary School, 2 February 2022 Ogmore Vale Primary School, Cefn Cribwr Primary School and Archbishop Mcgrath Catholic High School
There were no urgent items.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
CE Smith: Personal interest on School Modernisation Programme: Outcome of the Consultation on Schools' Modernisation Programme Proposal to Enlarge Mynydd Cynffig Primary School
Personal interest because he has nephews and nieces who attend, and will attend, Mynydd Cynffig Primary School.
J Gebbie: Prejudicial interest on School Modernisation Programme: Outcome of the Consultation on Schools' Modernisation Programme Proposal to Enlarge Mynydd Cynffig Primary School
Prejudicial interest as Chair of Governors of Mynydd Cynffig Primary School. Withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the item.
D Patel: Personal interest on A Future Approach to Employability
Personal interest because the officer referred to in the report is known to her. Withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the item.
HJ David: Personal interest on A Future Approach to Employability
Personal interest because the officer referred to in the report is known to him.
HM Williams: Personal interest on A Future Approach to Employability
Personal interest because the officer referred to in the report is known to him.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.