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Cardiff Council's full Council met on 17 March 2022. It approved a Bilingual Cardiff Strategy, a Population Needs Assessment, a Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23 and changes to the Constitution, the council's written rulebook. It also agreed a motion on youth work and approved amended motions on a St David's Day holiday and on building fire safety.
Some sentences of this summary are missing in English, because an older automatic check removed them from the English only. The Welsh version has them.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Nigel Howells. Councillors Melbourne and Pip Hill-John would be late in attending the meeting.
The following Declarations of Interest were received in accordance with the Members Code of Conduct. Councillor Item Nature of Interest Cllr Naughton Item 10 Family Member employed by Cardiff Council Cllr Molik Item 9 CEO Sight Cymru Cllr Cowan Item 14 – Cllr Michael Statement Part time employee, Believe-Organ Donor support Cllr Bowen-Thomson Item 7 Involved in Task Force sub-group as CEO of Safer Wales
The minutes of the 3 March 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Lord Mayor.
Mr Rhydian Payne asked the following question of the Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Councillor Goodway. You will be aware that the former Brandon Tool Hire site at the bottom of Rumney Hill has been left vacant for over a decade. Can the Cabinet Member advise what plans the site owner has to bring the site back into beneficial use and whether the Council can use its influence to bring forward a suitable development scheme that could bring new jobs to this part of the City? Reply – Cllr Goodway The land in question is not in Council ownership, but the site at 599 Newport Road, previously occupied by Brandon Tool Hire, does have a valid planning consent granted in 2017. This provides for the demolition of the commercial units on the site and the erection of a new residential development comprising 32 self-contained flats. The Council as the Local Planning Authority has no powers to insist that a developer implements a planning consent or permission. Supplementary Question – Mr Payne I appreciate that the Council’s powers in this situation are limited, but would you, as Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development, request that your officers work with the landowner in a bid to bring forward a suitable development, hopefully one that will see jobs return to the site, at an early date. Reply – Cllr Goodway I am happy to do so, intelligence that I received only an hour or so ago, suggests that there may be complications with that site in terms of a sewerage pipe that goes through it, which may make it unsuitable for residential development and in that case I would like to see it return as an employment site because we have very few employment sites left in the City so it is a conversation that I will have with my officials to see if we can take forward a conversation with the land owner to ensure that we make best use of that site.
The following petitions were received: Councillor No. of Relevant Signatures Nature of Petition Cllr Gavin Hill-John 290 Opposing the building development on Radyr Farm, Goitre Fach Farm, and Radyr Rail Station Cllr Ed Stubbs 436 Calling for the refurbishment of Splott Park
The Lord Mayor made the following announcements: · Prizes were awarded by him at HMS Cambria’s Winter Divisions and Awards Evening to those who had gone over and above and made a significant contribution to HMS Cambria; · On 8 March 2022 he, together with staff and pupils attended a Tree Planting Ceremony at St Alban’s Catholic Primary School; · On 14 March he hosted a Commonwealth Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Cardiff Council; representatives from a variety of organisations attended; and · Thanks to all Councillors standing down in May 2022 for their contribution to Cardiff over the years.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The recommendations in the report were CARRIED.
Councillor Ebrahim moved the report of the Task Force which covered the period between July 2020 and March 2022. It highlighted that over the past eighteen months, Cardiff’s Race Equality Taskforce had been tasked with identifying practical opportunities for change to improve race equality in Cardiff and to find new ways to deploy local levers to improve outcomes for Ethnic Minority residents. This report outlines the work completed by Cardiff’s Race Equality Taskforce between July 2020- March 2022. The Lord Mayor called for a Vote on the recommendations in the report. Vote Results: For: 42 Councillors Ahmed, Dilwar Ali, Bowen-Thomson, Bradbury, Bridgeman, Burke-Davies, Cunnah, De’Ath, Derbyshire, Driscoll, Ebrahim, Elsmore, Goddard, Goodway, Gordon, Henshaw, Hinchey, Jacobsen, Keith Jones, Owen Jones, Jones-Pritchard, Joyce, Lay, Lent, Lister, Mackie, McGarry, Merry, Michael, Jackie Parry, Patel, Mia Rees, Sangani, Sattar, Simmons, Singh, Stubbs, Huw Thomas, Thorne, Weaver, Wild and Wong. Against: 1 Councillor Shaun Jenkins Abstain: 29 Councillors Ashgar Ali, Berman, Boyle, Carter, Cowan, Driscoll, Ford, Gibson, Gavin Hill-John, Philippa Hill-John, Hopkins, Hudson, Kelloway, Lancaster, McEvoy, Molik, Morgan, Naughton, Owen, Parkhill, Keith Parry, Philips, Dianne Rees, Robson, Sandrey, Taylor, Graham Thomas, Walker, Williams, Wood Apologies: 1 Councillor Howells Absent for vote: 1 Councillor Melbourne RESOLVED: The recommendations in the report were CARRIED.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: Council AGREED to 1) approve the Bilingual Cardiff: 5-Year Welsh Language Strategy 2022-27 (Appendix I) 2) note the content of the Independent Review of the Bilingual Cardiff Strategy 2017-2022(Appendix V).
The Council was asked to note the content of the Bilingual Cardiff Strategy 2022-2027 which had been prepared in accordance with the Welsh Language Standards (No.1) Regulations 2015 under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 and recommended to full Council for approval. Councillor Huw Thomas moved the report. The report was seconded by Councillor Owen Jones. The Lord Mayor called for a Vote on the recommendations in the report. Vote Results: For: 70 Councillors Ahmed, Dilwar Ali, Berman, Bowen-Thomson, Boyle, Bradbury, Bridgeman, Burke-Davies, Carter, Cowan, Cunnah, De’Ath, Derbyshire, Driscoll, Ebrahim, Elsmore, Ford, Gibson, Goddard, Goodway, Gordon, Henshaw, Gavin Hill-John, Philippa Hill-John, Hinchey, Hopkins, Hudson, Jacobsen, Keith Jones, Owen Jones, Jones-Pritchard, Joyce, Lancaster, Lay, Lent, Lister, Mackie, McEvoy, McGarry, Melbourne, Merry, Michael, Molik, Morgan, Naughton, Owen, Parkhill, Jackie Parry, Keith Parry, Patel, Phillips, Dianne Rees, Mia Rees, Robson, Sandrey, Sangani, Sattar, Simmons, Singh, Stubbs, Taylor, Graham Thomas, Huw Thomas, Thorne, Walker, Weaver, Wild, Williams, Wong and Wood. Against: 2 Councillors Jenkins and Kelloway Absent: 1 Cllr Asghar Ali Apologies: 1 Councillor Howells RESOLVED: Council AGREED to 1) approve the Bilingual Cardiff: 5-Year Welsh Language Strategy 2022-27 (Appendix I) 2) note the content of the Independent Review of the Bilingual Cardiff Strategy 2017-2022(Appendix V).
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The Council Agreed to: Note and approve the Population Needs Assessment 2022 (attached at Appendix 1) in line with the requirements of Part 2 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
The Council was asked to note and consider the Population Needs Assessment 2022 (attached at Appendix 1) in line with the requirements of Part 2 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 To recommend that Council consider and approve the Population Needs Assessment 2022 at its meeting on 17th March 2022 and that the Assessment is revisited and updated in relevant areas following the release of Census 2021 data. Councillor Elsmore moved the report. Councillor Hinchey seconded the report. The Lord Mayor called for a vote on the recommendations in the report. Vote Result: For: 70 Councillors Ahmed, Asghar Ali, Dilwar Ali, Berman, Bowen-Thomson, Boyle, Bradbury, Bridgeman, Burke-Davies, Carter, Cowan, Cunnah, De’Ath, Derbyshire, Driscoll, Ebrahim, Elsmore, Gibson, Goddard, Goodway, Gordon, Henshaw, Gavin Hill-John, Philippa Hill-John, Hinchey, Hopkins, Hudson, Jacobsen, Jenkins, Keith Jones, Owen Jones, Jones-Pritchard, Joyce, Kelloway, Lancaster, Lay, Lent, Lister, Mackie, McGarry, Melbourne, Merry, Michael, Molik, Morgan, Naughton, Owen, Parkhill, Jackie Parry, Patel, Phillips, Dianne Rees, Mia Rees, Robson, Sandrey, Sangani, Sattar, Simmons, Singh, Stubbs, Taylor, Graham Thomas, Huw Thomas, Thorne, Walker, Weaver, Wild, Williams, Wong and Wood. Against: 3 Councillors Ford, McEvoy and Keith Parry Apologies: 1 Councillor Howells RESOLVED: The Council Agreed to: Note and approve the Population Needs Assessment 2022 (attached at Appendix 1) in line with the requirements of Part 2 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: 1. Confirm that the decision to agree the Pay Policy Statement constitutes agreement to implement the cost of living pay increases determined by the relevant negotiating body effective from 1st April 2022, as accounted for in the Budget set and agreed by Council on 3rd March 2022. 2. Determine that any additional financial implications arising from the national pay agreements determined after this date that cannot be met within the Council’s agreed Budget will be referred to Council for consideration and decision. 3. Approve the Pay Policy Statement (2022/23) Appendix 1.
(All relevant Chief Officers declared an interest in this item and left the meeting for consideration of this item) The report recommended that Council agree a Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23, in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011. Councillor Weaver moved the report. Councillor Huw Thomas seconded the report. The Lord Mayor called for a vote on the recommendations in the report. Vote Result: For: 49 Councillors Ahmed, Asghar Ali, Dilwar Ali, Berman, Bowen-Thomson, Boyle, Bradbury, Bridgeman, Burke-Davies, Carter, Cunnah, De’Ath, Derbyshire, Ebrahim, Elsmore, Goddard, Goodway, Gordon, Henshaw, Hinchey, Hopkins, Jacobsen, Keith Jones, Owen Jones, Joyce, Lay, Lent, Lister, Mackie, McGarry, Merry, Michael, Molik, Naughton, Jackie Parry, Patel, Sandrey, Sangani, Sattar, Simmons, Singh, Stubbs, Taylor, Huw Thomas, Thorne, Weaver, Wild, Wong and Wood Against: 3 Councillors Ford, McEvoy and Keith Parry Abstain: 21 Councillors Cowan, Driscoll, Gibson, Gavin Hill-John, Philippa Hill-John, Hudson, Jenkins, Jones-Pritchard, Kelloway, Lancaster, Melbourne, Morgan, Owen, Parkhill, Philips, Dianne Rees, Mia Rees, Adrian Robson, Graham Thomas, Walker and Williams. Apologies: 1 Councillor Howells RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: 1. Confirm that the decision to agree the Pay Policy Statement constitutes agreement to implement the cost of living pay increases determined by the relevant negotiating body effective from 1st April 2022, as accounted for in the Budget set and agreed by Council on 3rd March 2022. 2. Determine that any additional financial implications arising from the national pay agreements determined after this date that cannot be met within the Council’s agreed Budget will be referred to Council for consideration and decision. 3. Approve the Pay Policy Statement (2022/23) Appendix 1.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: 1. Note the information set out in the report and appendices; 2. Approve the Constitution amendments set out in Appendix C(Constitution – draft amendments), to take effect on the specified dates, and request the Monitoring Officer to update the Constitution accordingly.
This report was to enable the Council to consider recommended changes to the Constitution in relation to: (a) New legislative requirements introduced by the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, in respect of: (i) Multi-location meeting arrangements and electronic broadcast of full Council meetings; (ii) Assistants to the Cabinet; (iii) Job sharing for Cabinet Members; (iv) A Guide to the Constitution; (v) A Petition Scheme; and (vi) The Statutory functions of the Chief Executive, (b) The Council Meeting Procedure Rules on amendments to Notices of Motion, and (c) Various legislative and other updates and drafting improvements. Councillor Goodway moved the report. Councillor Jones-Pritchard seconded the report. RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: 1. Note the information set out in the report and appendices; 2. Approve the Constitution amendments set out in Appendix C(Constitution – draft amendments), to take effect on the specified dates, and request the Monitoring Officer to update the Constitution accordingly.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED the recommendations as outlined in the report.
The report outlined the work carried out by Democratic Services during 2021. Councillor Jones-Pritchard moved the report. RESOLVED: The Council AGREED the recommendations as outlined in the report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED the following Composite Motion: This Council notes: The quality and value of youth workers and youth work supporting young people in Cardiff and congratulates Cardiff’s Youth Service on being re-awarded the Bronze Level Youth Work Quality Mark. That youth workers are valuable role models for young people. The key role youth work has in supporting young people to realise their full potential and that youth work is a distinct educational process across a variety of settings which could include street based youth workers, youth mentors and centre based youth workers. That youth centres can be an important part of communities as is the work carried out by our street based youth work teams, youth mentors who operate across the city responding to local need working with some of the most vulnerable young people in the city wherever they are and our EOTAS team who support some of the city’s most vulnerable learners. The hard work and dedication of volunteers who work with young people across Cardiff. The partners that work with the Council to deliver quality youth work in Cardiff including those benefiting from Youth Innovation Grants and the council’s financial support for Menter Caerdydd used to run provision for Welsh speakers around the city. The needs of young people are not limited to one particular arc of Cardiff and there is need in every ward but that the needs of certain groups of young people and areas are greater particularly with the cut in Universal Credit, increasing cost of living and increasing numbers of children and young people falling into poverty. Youth work can also play an important part in addressing the differential impact of covid on our young people. The 15 minute neighbourhood concept includes young people, their needs and access to facilities. The fantastic work of Cardiff Commitment and youth mentors across the city and in all of our schools which has resulted in a fall in the number of young people not in education or training from 8.8% in 2010, well above the Welsh average, to 1.5% at a time of great economic uncertainty. The work carried out by youth workers around the city over the summer including the youth bus. The work of the digital youth team in engaging with young people virtually. Cardiff Council welcomes the decision to undertake a review of our youth service provision to ensure we can meet the needs of young people and develop sustainable, long term investment in youth services. This council believes the review should include: Widening access as well as ensuring that qualified youth workers continue to cover the whole of Cardiff enabling them to reach young people wherever they are and whenever they are needed. Ensuring youth workers, police, education, children’s services, youth justice teams, community safety and the 3rd sector continue to work closely together so that the best practice is in place across the whole of Cardiff in matters involving young people. Making sure that young people, no matter where in the city they live, have access to youth facilities and can access youth work-based support when they need it. How we can share good practice whilst ensuring the quality of youth work practice across all youth support services is effective and listens to the voices of young people, providing youth work training to all organisations working with young people. Developing a workforce strategy that invests in a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of our communities and provides opportunities for young people through corporate apprenticeships and traineeships. Cardiff Council recognises that as we aim to become a Child Friendly City the Council must continue to engage with young people themselves about the services that impact on them. To make representations to Welsh Government with regards to placing youth services on a statutory footing.
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED the following Composite Motion: This Council notes: The quality and value of youth workers and youth work supporting young people in Cardiff and congratulates Cardiff’s Youth Service on being re-awarded the Bronze Level Youth Work Quality Mark. That youth workers are valuable role models for young people. The key role youth work has in supporting young people to realise their full potential and that youth work is a distinct educational process across a variety of settings which could include street based youth workers, youth mentors and centre based youth workers. That youth centres can be an important part of communities as is the work carried out by our street based youth work teams, youth mentors who operate across the city responding to local need working with some of the most vulnerable young people in the city wherever they are and our EOTAS team who support some of the city’s most vulnerable learners. The hard work and dedication of volunteers who work with young people across Cardiff. The partners that work with the Council to deliver quality youth work in Cardiff including those benefiting from Youth Innovation Grants and the council’s financial support for Menter Caerdydd used to run provision for Welsh speakers around the city. The needs of young people are not limited to one particular arc of Cardiff and there is need in every ward but that the needs of certain groups of young people and areas are greater particularly with the cut in Universal Credit, increasing cost of living and increasing numbers of children and young people falling into poverty. Youth work can also play an important part in addressing the differential impact of covid on our young people. The 15 minute neighbourhood concept includes young people, their needs and access to facilities. The fantastic work of Cardiff Commitment and youth mentors across the city and in all of our schools which has resulted in a fall in the number of young people not in education or training from 8.8% in 2010, well above the Welsh average, to 1.5% at a time of great economic uncertainty. The work carried out by youth workers around the city over the summer including the youth bus. The work of the digital youth team in engaging with young people virtually. Cardiff Council welcomes the decision to undertake a review of our youth service provision to ensure we can meet the needs of young people and develop sustainable, long term investment in youth services. This council believes the review should include: Widening access as well as ensuring that qualified youth workers continue to cover the whole of Cardiff enabling them to reach young people wherever they are and whenever they are needed. Ensuring youth workers, police, education, children’s services, youth justice teams, community safety and the 3rd sector continue to work closely together so that the best practice is in place across the whole of Cardiff in matters involving young people. Making sure that young people, no matter where in the city they live, have access to youth facilities and can access youth work-based support when they need it. How we can share good practice whilst ensuring the quality of youth work practice across all youth support services is effective and listens to the voices of young people, providing youth work training to all organisations working with young people. Developing a workforce strategy that invests in a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of our communities and provides opportunities for young people through corporate apprenticeships and traineeships. Cardiff Council recognises that as we aim to become a Child Friendly City the Council must continue to engage with young people themselves about the services that impact on them. To make representations to Welsh Government with regards to placing youth services on a statutory footing.
The Leader responded to questions in relation to: o Thanking local business across Cardiff and in particular Rhiwbina for their fundraising efforts for the Ukraine Crisis. Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, Councillor Weaver. The Cabinet Member responded to questions in relation to: o The Scrutiny Task and Finish Report on Home & Agile Working not meeting the deadline for the 10th March 2022 Cabinet Meeting. Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities, Councillor Thorne. The Cabinet Member responded to questions in relation to: o Flat Roof design in the Council new build properties o Thanking Hub Staff for their work and pans to improve the service further. Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Recycling & Environment, Councillor Michael The Cabinet Member responded to questions in relation to: o Garden Waste Collections o Pop-Up Recycling Centre o Water Strategy in Schools o Cardiff Dogs Home Cabinet Member for Children & Families, Councillor Hinchey The Cabinet Member responded to questions in relation to: o Recruitment and Retention o National Adoption Service – Framework Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health & Well-being, Councillor Elsmore. The Cabinet Member responded to questions in relation to: o Cardiff North Dementia Service o Age Friendly Action Plan o Toilet Strategy Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education, Employment & Skills, Councillor Merry. The Cabinet Member responded to questions in relation to: o Estyn Review of Cardiff Council’s Education service o Proposed expansion of Cardiff High School o Review of the Youth Service Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning & Transport, Councillor Wild The Cabinet Member responded to questions in relation to: o Road and Pavement Resurfacing o Cycle Path on Newport Road o Traffic Enforcement Cameras at School Locations o Enforcement of pavement parking Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, Councillor Goodway The Cabinet Member responded to questions in relation to: o City Centre Development Design o Regeneration of Cardiff Bay – Citizen Engagement Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure Statement, Councillor Bradbury The Cabinet Member responded to questions in relation to: o Bird Flu cases in Roath Park o Coed Caerdydd – Cherry Trees o St David’s Hall – ticket prices o Burial Prices
The Lord Mayor noted that a Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor McEvoy and seconded by Councillor Parry had been received for consideration. One Amendment had been received from the Labour Group. The Lord Mayor invited Councillor McEvoy to propose the motion as follows: The Council asks the Cabinet to consider: Bringing a report to a future Council outlining the economic and cultural benefits St David’s Day bank holiday, including assigning financial and in kind support for all future St David’s civilian parades. Furthermore, the Council calls on the Westminster Government to devolve to Welsh Government the power to create bank holidays for Wales (via the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971) – in the same manner as already happens in Scotland and Northern Ireland The Motion was formally seconded by Councillor Parry. An amendment to the motion had been received from the Labour Group. The Lord Mayor called upon Councillor Michael to move the amendment as follows: Delete from: ‘Brining a report …….. Northern Ireland.’ Replace with: ‘A report on the possibility of a holiday on the 1st March during the next administration’. The amended motion would read as follows: The Council asks the Cabinet to consider: A report on the possibility of a holiday on the 1st March during the next administration. The amendment was formally seconded by Councillor Patel The Lord Mayor invited debate on the motion and amendment. The Lord Mayor invited Councillor McEvoy to respond to the issues raised during the debate. Councillor McEvoy responded to the issues raised and confirmed the Amendment was not accepted. The Lord Mayor called for a Vote on the Amendment as moved by Councillor Michael and seconded by Councillor Patel Vote Results: For: 39 Councillors Ahmed, Dilwar Ali, Bowen-Thomson, Bradbury, Bridgeman, Burke-Davies, Cunnah, De’Ath, Derbyshire, Ebrahim, Elsmore, Goddard, Goodway, Gordon, Henshaw, Hinchey, Jacobsen, Keith Jones, Owen Jones, Joyce, Lay, Lent, Lister, Mackie, McGarry, Merry, Michael, Jackie Parry, Patel, Sangani, Sattar, Simmons, Singh, Stubbs, Huw Thomas, Thorne, Weaver, Wild and Wong. Against: 34 Councillors Asghar Ali, Berman, Boyle, Carter, Cowan, Driscoll, Ford, Gibson, Gavin Hill-John, Philippa Hill-John, Hopkins, Hudson, Jenkins, Jones-Pritchard, Kelloway, Lancaster, McEvoy, Melbourne, Molik, Morgan, Naughton, Owen, Parkhill, Keith Parry, Phillips, Dianne Rees, Mia Rees, Robson, Sandrey, Taylor, Graham Thomas, Walker, Williams and Wood. Apologies: 1 Councillor Howells The Vote on the Amendment was CARRIED. The Lord Mayor called on Councillor Michael to speak before a vote on the Substantive Motion as amended by the Labour Group was taken. Vote Results For: 70 Councillors Ahmed, Asghar Ali, Dilwar Ali, Berman, Bowen-Thomson, Boyle, Bradbury, Bridgeman, Burke-Davies, Carter, Cowan, Cunnah, De’Ath, Derbyshire, Driscoll, Ebrahim, Elsmore, Ford, Gibson, Goddard, Goodway, Gordon, Henshaw, Gavin Hill-John, Philippa Hill-John, Hinchey, Hopkins, Hudson, Jacobsen, Jenkins, Keith Jones, Owen Jones, Jones-Pritchard, Joyce, Kelloway, Lancaster, Lay, Lent, Lister, Mackie, McEvoy, McGarry, Melbourne, Merry, Michael, Molik, Morgan, Naughton, Owen, Parkhill, Jackie Parry, Keith Parry, Patel, Phillips, Dianne Rees, Mia Rees, Robson, Sandrey, Sangani, Sattar, Simmons, Singh, Stubbs, Taylor, Graham Thomas, Huw Thomas, Thorne, Walker, Weaver, Wild, Williams, Wong and Wood. Against: 2 Councillors Jenkins and Kelloway Apologies: 1 Councillor Howells The Vote on the Substantive Motion as amended was CARRIED
The Lord Mayor noted that a Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Taylor and seconded by Councillor Wood had been received for consideration. One Amendment had been received from the Labour Group. The Lord Mayor invited Councillor Taylor to propose the motion as follows: Action on Building Fire Safety This council is deeply concerned that years later, there are still thousands of people living in buildings with potentially dangerous fire safety defects. This council notes that the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Fund and Building Safety Passport Scheme is designed to identify which buildings have fire safety failures and the cost of remediating those. This council notes with regret that leaseholders are no closer to a solution to the problem and are facing large bills in order to fund remediation work and Waking Watch schemes. This council believes that no leaseholder should bear the burden of putting right the failures of developers and the building safety system – whether they are landlords or otherwise. This council calls on the Cabinet to: · Bring forward a report on establishing a Building Safety Support Hub to provide in-person and online advice and guidance on such issues as: completing funding applications for the different Government funding pots; advice on the EWS1 process and advising leaseholders of their rights. · Once the outcome of the Building Safety Fund is published, bring forward a report on the cost of providing a council tax exemption for all residents directly impacted by the fire safety crisis. The Motion was formally seconded by Councillor Wood. An amendment to the motion had been received from the Labour Group. The Lord Mayor called upon Councillor Thorne to move the amendment as follows: Action on Building Fire Safety Delete: ‘This Council notes that ……..Waking and Watch Schemes. Insert the following after ‘….landlords or otherwise’: Welcomes the Welsh Government approach of ensuring that remediation of buildings are undertaken on a holistic basis, meaning that we must go beyond replacement of non-compliant cladding and deal with the range of fire safety issues found in some buildings which may include factors such as inadequate compartmentation and the need for smoke control or fire suppression systems because it only by addressing the full range of fire safety issues in this manner can residents be confident that these buildings are returned to a ‘fit for purpose’ condition. Acknowledges and supports the significant bid for funding put forward by the Council to Welsh Government to support the installation of sprinkler systems in all affected buildings in the city to address the immediate fire safety risk and reduce the current additional costs being borne by residents’. After ‘This Council calls on the Cabinet to’ insert: · Write to the UK Government to ensure that a UK wide approach is taken to negotiation and use of funding raised from industry contributions After ‘Bring forward a’ delete from ‘Building Safety …….. their reports report’ and replace that with ‘report that outlines the Council’s plan to implement and respond to the requirements of the UK Governments Building Safety Bill (BSB) including issuing of all necessary Orders, in liaison with SW Fire and Rescue and all other relevant partners and stakeholders. Delete the whole paragraph beginning ‘Once the outcome of the ……..’ The amended motion would read as follows: Action on Building Fire Safety This council is deeply concerned that years later, there are still thousands of people living in buildings with potentially dangerous fire safety defects. This council believes that no leaseholder should bear the burden of putting right the failures of developers and the building safety system – whether they are landlords or otherwise. Welcomes the Welsh Government approach of ensuring that remediation of buildings are undertaken on a holistic basis, meaning that we must go beyond replacement of non-compliant cladding and deal with the range of fire safety issues found in some buildings which may include factors such as inadequate compartmentation and the need for smoke control or fire suppression systems because it only by addressing the full range of fire safety issues in this manner can residents be confident that these buildings are returned to a ‘fit for purpose’ condition. Acknowledges and supports the significant bid for funding put forward by the Council to Welsh Government to support the installation of sprinkler systems in all affected buildings in the city to address the immediate fire safety risk and reduce the current additional costs being borne by residents’. This council calls on the Cabinet to: · Write to the UK Government to ensure that a UK wide approach is taken to negotiation and use of funding raised from industry contributions · Bring forward a report that outlines the Council’s plan to implement and respond to the requirements of the UK Governments Building Safety Bill ( BSB) including issuing of all necessary Orders, in liaison with SW Fire and Rescue and all other relevant partners and stakeholders. The amendment was formally seconded by Councillor Ebrahim The Lord Mayor invited debate on the motion and amendment. The Lord Mayor invited Councillor Taylor to respond to the issues raised during the debate. Councillor Taylor responded to the issues raised and confirmed the Amendment was not accepted. The Lord Mayor called for a Vote on the Amendment as moved by Councillor Thorne and seconded by Councillor Ebrahim. Vote Results: For: 39 Councillors Ahmed, Dilwar Ali, Bowen-Thomson, Bradbury, Bridgeman, Burke-Davies, Cunnah, De’Ath, Derbyshire, Ebrahim, Elsmore, Goddard, Goodway, Gordon, Henshaw, Hinchey, Jacobsen, Keith Jones, Owen Jones, Joyce, Lay, Lent, Lister, Mackie, McGarry, Merry, Michael, Jackie Parry, Patel, Sangani, Sattar, Simmons, Singh, Stubbs, Huw Thomas, Thorne, Weaver, Wild and Wong. Against: 25 Councillors Berman, Cowan, Driscoll, Ford, Gibson, Gavin Hill-John, Philippa Hill-John, Hudson, Jenkins, Jones-Pritchard, Kelloway, Lancaster, McEvoy, Melbourne, Morgan, Owen, Parkhill, Keith Parry, Philips, Dianne Rees, Mia Rees, Robson, Graham Thomas, Walker and Williams Abstain: Councillors Ashgar Ali, Boyle, Carter, Hopkins, Molik, Naughton, Sandrey, Taylor and Wood. Apologies: 1 Councillor Howells The Vote on the Amendment was CARRIED. The Lord Mayor called on Councillor Thorne to speak before a vote on the Substantive Motion as amended by the Labour Group was taken. Vote Result: For: 70 Councillors Ahmed, Ashgar Ali, Dilwar Ali, Berman, Bowen-Thomson, Boyle, Bradbury, Bridgeman, Burke-Davies, Carter, Cowan, Cunnah, De’Ath, Derbyshire, Driscoll, Ebrahim, Elsmore, Gibson, Goddard, Goodway, Gordon, Henshaw, Gavin Hill-John, Philippa Hill-John, Hinchey, Hopkins, Hudson, Jacobsen, Jenkins, Keith Jones, Owen Jones, Jones-Pritchard, Joyce, Kelloway, Lancaster, Lay, Lent, Lister, Mackie, McGarry, Melbourne, Merry, Michael, Molik, Morgan, Naughton, Owen, Parkhill, Jackie Parry, Patel, Phillips, Dianne Rees, Mia Rees, Robson, Sandrey, Sangani, Sattar, Simmons, Singh, Stubbs, Taylor, Graham Thomas, Huw Thomas, Thorne, Walker, Weaver, Wild, Williams, Wong and Wood. Against: 3 Councillors Ford, McEvoy and Keith Parry Apologies: 1 Councillor Howells The Vote on the Substantive Motion as amended was CARRIED
Question - Councillor Jones-Pritchard I think, that having read today website today, the question has already been answered, with the link to that. It was a request to the Council following a request we have had from residents about a point where they could go to to see how they could help with the Ukraine crisis regarding asylum seekers and other help, so thank you to the Leader, that is already done. Reply - Councillor Huw Thomas Can I supplement what I have said in respect to Councillor Cowans question, picking up the wider theme in Councillor Jones-Pritchard’s question on other ways to help. The Council website has now been updated and has a range of information about how best to help. The official guidance now is to encourage monetary donations rather than goods to ensure that the right support reaches the Ukrainian people quickly and to the areas most needed and the best way to do this is via donations to either the national Disasters Emergency Committee or alternatively via the British Rad Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal and those details are on the website, as are links to the Home Office Scheme to register interest from residents who can offer accommodation on the Homes for Ukraine website. What I would say further and for information to the Chamber, Members have heard the First Minister speak of his desire for Wales to be a super sponsor, clearly, details are still emerging and there is much competition to be had with the Home Office and indeed with Welsh Government in order to support the urgent arrivals through the routes that now exist and may come to exist, but just to update the Chamber that I have indicated, through officers, to Welsh Government Cardiff Council’s willingness, if Wales is to become a super sponsor, to play a full role and our readiness in particular, to at as a welcome centre for Ukrainian refugees. I think that that is the very least that Cardiff, as a City sanctuary, should be doing Question - Councillor Keith Parry What measurers can the Council take to ensure soak away gardens do not become trip hazards to partially sighted people and other users in street and drainage redesign schemes as has happened in Cowbridge Road, Canton? Reply - Councillor Michael Sustainable Drainage Schemes (SuDS) are designed to Welsh Government standards and in line with the Construction Industry Research and Information Association SuDS Manual C753. The Manual is the accepted industry standard to which sustainable drainage and green infrastructure schemes are designed across the UK. Lessons learnt and post-construction performance exercises are undertaken after schemes are implemented, which are then shared throughout the industry and with other risk management authorities to ensure that best practice is captured and promoted. In addition, highway schemes are designed to the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges Standards for Highways to ensure that full account is taken of all potential users of the highway and related schemes, and a safe environment is provided. Supplementary Question – Councillor Parry The Soak away gardens in Grangetown are satisfactory with posts and fences around them but in Cowbridge Road East in Canton they have become trip hazards, people are driving or cycling in to them and these schemes are going to be rolled out around the rest of the City and the design standards will be adhered to. Reply – Councillor Michael A meeting took place last week with officers; the scheme is not yet finished, when it is we will see the full potential of the scheme. Question - Councillor Berman Whilst the project to look at initiatives that could help encourage more pupils of Ysgol Bro Edern to travel to school via active means is welcome, the fact that the school is one of only three Welsh-medium high schools serving the city and therefore has a large catchment area compared to the city’s English-medium LEA high schools mean that many pupils will still continue to be dropped off and picked up by their parents. Given the problems faced by residents in Llanedeyrn Road and surrounding streets from inconsiderate and obstructive parking by some parents including on double yellow lines around road junctions and on the grass verges along Llanedeyrn Road, can the council please look at undertaking some targeted and repeated enforcement action (possibly through a joint initiative with South Wales Police) to help deter this? Reply - Councillor Wild I can confirm to the Councillor that the Civil Parking Enforcement Team has arranged to undertake some joint patrols of the parking issues around Ysgol Bro Edern in the next few weeks. Question - Councillor Lister The Friends of Grange Gardens has recently been established and they are very keen to work with others to brighten up, maintain and make use of our Green Flag park. In particular, they are keen to see more regular planting take place around the Gardens. Can the Cabinet Member confirm what plans the Council has to plant more within Grange Gardens in the coming months? Reply - Councillor Bradbury Work is in hand with the Place Rangers and as part of the Grangetown Pavilion Project to plant 15 native transplanted trees within the gardens by the close of the planting season at the end of this month. Further planting exercises in the park will take place in June or July and will see the planting of summer bedding plant material. This will be followed by the planting of spring bedding plants and bulbs in October. Parks Officers would be more than happy to meet with the new Friends Group to discuss any ideas that they may have for Grange Gardens. Supplementary Question – Councillor Lister Grangetown is keen on becoming greener, how is the Council supporting residents who want to see more greenery, both in the parks and in the streets. Reply – Councillor Bradbury The Council is happy to work with Friends Groups and Volunteers to support any activity on a City wide basis including Grangetown. What is critical to the planning of any activity is engagement with the Parks Service. The best thing Grangetown residents can do is re-elect their excellent Labour candidates in May to ensure they keep fighting the good fight over environmental issues. Question - Councillor Driscoll Following the recent Russian aggression against Ukraine, many countries across the world including the United Kingdom have put in place sanctions against Putin’s regime. Can the Leader update members on what steps have been taken to review the council’s exposure and or links to Russia, including in relation to pensions and also supply and contract arrangements, including our digital network protections? Reply - Councillor Huw Thomas In terms of identifying Russian owned or connected companies in our supply chain, the Council has undertaken an initial review of our Tier 1 suppliers – those we pay directly – and have identified limited exposure. As part of this work, the Council has noted its use of Kaspersky cyber security software, and the company’s publicly documented connections with Russia. This is a well-known global cyber security company which is used extensively by many organisations and businesses. The Council - like other public organisations - is engaged in active dialogue with the National Cyber Security Centre and relevant national agencies about its use of Kaspersky and the level of risk. As part of ongoing work to manage risk, the Council’s Resilience Framework, a tried and tested approach to contingency management, has also been re-established to assess and monitor the delivery risks associated with the conflict. The challenge, without further information from the UK or Welsh Governments, is identifying those UK-based companies who have strong Russian connections, whether through ownership or supply chain. This is something we have highlighted as an issue with Welsh Government and we await any updates from both the UK and Welsh Governments on trade related matters. Members will also be aware that the Wales Pension Partnership and Local Government Pension Scheme in Wales have recently issued a statement about the total exposure to Russian Investments here in Wales, which includes those made by the Cardiff & Vale Pension Scheme, which is minimal at less than 1%. They have also, as a collective, decided to divest from any such holdings as soon as is practically possible, particularly given that engagement with these companies is not a viable option. Supplementary Question – Councillor Driscoll Thanks for the comprehensive answer, I realise the Council has contractual commitments and any decisions taken to change anything security wise will take time. Can you keep us updated going forward? Reply – Councillor Huw Thomas Yes I will. Question - Councillor Sandrey With the folding of the Pentwyn and Llanedeyrn pickers due to the lack of willing volunteers able to come forward and take over from retiring committee members, what is the council doing to ensure other groups do not meet the same fate? Reply - Councillor Michael The Council works in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy to offer direct support to Cardiff’s “Keep Tidy” community groups. We have dedicated officers who meet regularly with such groups to discuss various issues and to offer practical support such as litter picking equipment and training, such as First Aid, free of charge. We also tailor the support provided to meet the needs of each group, offering different formats for different circumstances. For example, our Litter Champion scheme allows volunteers to take part in litter picking outside of constituted groups and has over 500 members. Whilst committee members in Pentwyn are stepping down, we continue to support volunteers in the area. Officers have delivered five handicarts to residents associated with the groups, but who are now registered as Litter Champions, only last week. The activity in the area continues to thrive – just in a different format. Supplementary Question – Councillor Sandrey Would you be willing to offer any additional support to try and get the group going again? Reply – Councillor Michael I will look forward to your email suggesting the kind of support you think would be appropriate. Question - Councillor Keith Parry Whist we welcome the new plans for Cantonian High School, can residents be assured Doyle Avenue, a small suburban street, will not become a very busy access to the new development? Reply - Councillor Wild Maximising access to the new school by walking and cycling as an alternative to being driven by car is a key priority for this development along with providing effective access for learner transport for pupils with additional learning needs. Question - Councillor De’Ath It was a great pleasure to join you at the recent opening of George Williams House, the YMCA’s new block of 18 apartments in Plasnewydd for people at risk of homelessness. Could you confirm that George Williams House will be used as part of Cardiff Council’s Housing First provision which is already keep people off the streets? Reply - Councillor Thorne This scheme is helping to deliver on our commitment to ‘No Going Back’ and forms part of the Council’s wider ambition to increase the number and quality of self-contained accommodation available to people at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping. Our vision is underpinned by Housing-led and Housing First principles and aims to rapidly house people in settled and appropriate accommodation, ending their homelessness as quickly as possible. Wraparound support is provided in a person-centred way to ensure that all their specific needs are addressed. This will prevent a return to homelessness. This model is an expansion on our existing Housing First service, which has supported an impressive 90% of clients to break the cycle of homelessness, with 87% of clients reporting a general improvement to their health and wellbeing. We will continue to work with our partners to expand and increase the available accommodation, whilst ensuring that suitable pathways are identified to help keep people off the street. Supplementary Question – Councillor De’Ath George Williams House is a carbon neutral construction, what is the Council doing to ensure its new build Council Housing is carbon neutral? Reply – Councillor Thorne All are built to that standard or higher. There is a new Cardiff Build Standard which I an happy to share which shows we are hoping to be beyond Carbon Neutral. Question - Councillor Robson Has the Cabinet Member any plans to increase the number of enforcement cars which can be deployed to tackle parking issues near schools? Reply - Councillor Wild The Council currently has 4 camera enforcement vehicles that patrol and enforce a number of different parking restrictions throughout the city. They are also used to patrol and enforce parking issues around school. We have installed 27 fixed parking enforcement cameras at school locations across the city during the last 12 months. Supplementary Question – Councillor Robson Schools in Rhiwbina, including Llanishen Fach Primary School, recently featured I the media where residents have been complaining about parents being inconsiderate by blocking driveways and parking badly around the school at drop off and pick up times. Will you meet with me onsite to see what we can do to improve this as it is has been going on for some time. Reply – Councillor Wild Officers are currently developing a strategy to prioritise and expand the number of fixed cameras deployed outside schools and the number of School Street schemes implemented to try to deal with parental parking issues outside schools. I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to visit the site after tomorrow, but maybe after the elections. Question - Councillor Carter What practical support can the council provide to local businesses to take on the franchise of the Pentwyn Post Office? Reply - Councillor Goodway I refer the Councillor to the answer provided to your ward colleague regarding this matter at Council in November last year and confirm that the Council’s position remains unchanged. Supplementary Question – Councillor Carter Please give practical examples of what advice you are giving. Since the last question the Post Office has now closed, no-one has taken on the franchise, at the time you outlined some possible opportunities, as far as we can see none of these have happened. Thinking ahead to the next few months, what practical steps will the Council take to assist local businesses. Reply – Councillor Goodway The Council does not operate Post Offices and neither is the Council an Estate Agency on behalf of the Post Office Franchise. We have said that I am happy to work with officials to help any interested parties seeking to take it over. If you and other ward Members know of any local businesses who are interested let me know and I will get officials to actively engage with them to explore how they may achieve their ambition, but we can’t advertise the vacant Post Office Franchise, that is beyond the Council’s powers. Question - Councillor Keith Parry Recently major developments at Waungron Road and Canton Community Centre have been proposed with little or no parking provision. This has caused a great deal of concern to residents whose streets will become full of displaced cars. Is the Supplementary Planning Guidance being applied correctly or does it need reviewing? Reply - Councillor Wild The SPG introduces a maximum parking standard for qualifying development. The two applications referred to in the question were both presented to the Planning Committee where these matters, along with other material planning considerations, were discussed before the Committee voted on the applications. Supplementary Question – Councillor Keith Parry The SPG sets a maximum but no minimum, sometimes approved planning displaces cars causing stress to local residents and I don’t think it is being applied correctly. Reply – Councillor Wild We are trying to build a better City and a better future, we had you and others show concern that there could be more car movements in and out of these developments. You cannot have it both ways, we are trying to discourage car use especially when there are good public transport options. Question - Councillor Gordon In our One Planet Strategy, promoting active travel is a key component. How far do you think we are seeing a shift to more sustainable methods of transport – walking, cycling and public transport? Reply - Councillor Huw Thomas The latest modal-split data (from a combination of survey sources for all journey purposes as of beginning of February 2022) indicated that 54% of trips in Cardiff were being made by sustainable modes, i.e. an increase from the 50% in 2020 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Of the 54%, around 27% were walking (a +8% shift); 12% are cycling (a +2% shift); and 11% were travelling by public transport (a -6% shift). There is no doubt that the decrease in public transport use is due to factors relating to the pandemic. For 2021 as a whole, the proportion of people travelling sustainably was the same as relative to prior to Covid, i.e. 50:50. However, the numbers of people walking and cycling increased by around 10% relative to pre-Covid, while overall public transport use was around half that of 2019. During the pandemic people were being told not to travel by public transport, so we now have to deliver an urgent campaign to encourage people back to buses and trains. Question - Councillor Cowan What advice are officers giving regarding the prospect of delivering a HWRC in Cardiff North over the next 5 years? Reply - Councillor Michael As I confirmed in reply to the Public Question at Council in January and have done on previous occasions, a baseline review of potential recycling centre sites was undertaken previously, but no suitable locations were identified in the north of Cardiff at the time of the review. Officers continue to explore potential site options as they become available. Clearly, this work is focused on the question of ‘where’, but there is also a need to consider ‘when’ any new recycling centres may be required. Supplementary Question – Councillor Cowan Are you personally convinced there is a need for a HWRC in North Cardiff or do you think there is adequate capacity within existing facilities? Reply – Councillor Michael My personal view doesn’t count when decisions are taken, all processes are being followed, first a site needs to be identified and I’m sure you will be the first to send me a recommendation of any sites we haven’t looked at. Question - Councillor Taylor Will the council make available to the public the data from the city's real time air quality monitors? Reply - Councillor Michael The information is available. Data from three air quality monitoring stations linked to the national Automatic Urban and Rural Network is already made available on the Air Quality in Wales website. Supplementary Question – Councillor Taylor In September 2021, in response to a quote from a press article, the Council committed to publish the data, specifically in relation to those deemed required as part of planning consent for the Velindre Cancer Centre. This hasn’t happened so why not and will you make sure it does happen in the future? Reply – Councillor Michael I will take up your request with Officers and reply as soon as I can. Question - Councillor Lay Since restrictions from the pandemic have been lifted, I have received a number of queries from residents about outstanding repairs. Can you advise me what the backlog of repairs is please? Reply - Councillor Thorne Apologies to the residents. Due to Covid restrictions, operatives could not access properties to carry out routine repairs for 29 weeks. This, along with Covid related sickness and shielding of both operatives and tenants, has led to a backlog in routine repairs, which is currently 3,681. I am pleased to say that, although there is still much work to do to get back to pre-pandemic performance of 94% of works completed on time, the backlog is now reducing. Last month, 57% of works were completed on time – this was an increase of 10% on the previous month and, each week, we see a reduction of around 300 overdue routine repairs. To make progress as quickly as possible, we have allocated our external contractors over 1,600 jobs and anticipate that these will be completed over the next five weeks. A dedicated Repair Taskforce, which meets weekly, will ensure that the backlog continues to decrease. To improve the service to our tenants, further plans are in progress. These include a full review of the service, employing new maintenance persons to carry out basic repairs and the introduction of a new Repairs Academy to build our future workforce. I would like to thank our tenants for their patience while we continue to work hard to remove the delays in completing these repairs. Question - Councillor Cowan Will all the schools below be serving hot school meals after half term? Last time these schools offered hot school meals to pupils: Birchgrove Primary School March 2020 (Hot meals served during Food and Fun Summer 2021) Bryn Deri Primary School December 2020 Lansdowne Primary School March 2020 Llanedeyrn Primary School March 2020 Marlborough Primary School March 2020 Meadowbank Primary School March 2020 Rhiwbeina Primary School March 2020 Roath Park Primary School March 2020 St Teilo's High School March 2020 Reply - Councillor Merry As I confirmed to you at Council in January, the Schools Meals Service in Cardiff continues to face ongoing challenges due to the pandemic in terms of recruitment and staffing absences in its own workforce, as well as the continued impact on suppliers and contractors. I can confirm that there is now hot food provision at Bryn Deri andMeadowbank Primary Schools, and this will also restart at Llanedeyrn Primary School from 21st March. Cold food is also being provided at Marlborough Primary School. At the other five schools you have listed, there is currently no catering provision and Free School Meal vouchers are being provided. Maintenance work is required at both Rhiwbeina and Roath Park Primary Schools, and work is underway to progress this. Discussions are continuing with Headteachers at the remaining two schools about a return to hot meal provision as soon as possible. Supplementary Question – Councillor Cowan Welsh Government has arranged a policy for Universal Free School meals, which will take a number of years to come to fruition. In relation to funding the kitchen aspects, as lots of schools have very small kitchens and couldn’t produce the number of meals needed to feed all the children, from your discussions with Welsh Government, when will the first schools start the scheme and how ling will it take for the whole project to be rolled out? Reply – Councillor Merry It will take a number of years. Some schools will need kitchen works completed and schools may need to make adjustments to lunchtime arrangements due to school/dinner hall capacity, this will be individual to each school. The scheme will be rolled out in stages and I will let Members know when I have more information. Question - Councillor Naughton After another bus shelter’s glass windows were broken recently in the Llanedeyrn area, would it be possible for the council to consider using more durable materials as replacements instead of continuing to replace them with glass? Reply - Councillor Wild At a number of sites where excessive damage to bus shelters occurs, the Council can arrange for polycarbonate panels to be installed in place of glass. However, this is usually a temporary measure as polycarbonate will degrade and cloud when exposed to the weather and, therefore, becomes unusable in terms of the ability of waiting passengers to see approaching buses, which is not ideal. Two of the five shelters on Llanedeyrn Drive already have polycarbonate panels installed. Supplementary Question – Councillor Naughton I appreciate the material isn’t ideal, I have reported a number of incidents over the years and some have been replaced, but the glass ones are still broken regularly, frustrating residents and causing safety issues. Could this be a priority for the Council in the next financial year, to replace the glass? Reply – Councillor Wild Noted. Question - Councillor Dilwar Ali Throughout the pandemic, many of our tenants have struggled financially. Can you advise me what has the council been doing to help and what is the level of arrears at this present time please? Reply - Councillor Thorne Even with the negative impacts on our tenants’ finances over the past 12 months, I am delighted to say that our rent arrears have reduced by 11% over the past 12 months. The most recent Quarter 3 result for arrears as percentage of the total collectable rent was 3.19%. I am even more pleased to announce that no council tenants have been evicted due to rent arrears for nearly two years. This is testament to the way our finance officers proactively engage with tenants and have a concentrated focus on prevention. This ensures that issues are dealt with in a supportive way by seeking to find solutions before they escalate and before arrears become unmanageable. Our successful rent arrears pathway has also been able to support 509 council tenants who were in arears due to the impact of the pandemic. Our dedicated Welfare Liaison Team is also on hand to provide bespoke advice to our tenants in their own homes and to offer help with debt, budgeting, applying for benefits, grants and discounts and food and fuel vouchers. This supportive approach is having a positive impact on our tenants and helping to keep them in their own homes. Question - Councillor Owen Will the Cabinet Member for Transport agree to install more pedestrian crossings – one in the shopping area of Heol y Deri and another on Pantmawr Road, Rhiwbina, to help residents cross when catching the bus? Reply - Councillor Wild These locations have previously been reviewed by officers. The problems were not deemed sufficiently serious to warrant these locations being made a priority at this time. Supplementary Question – Councillor Owen Before the pandemic, we put in an application to the Council’s regeneration fund which was unfortunately turned down. However the Council’s own Officer who met us onsite to discuss our application, suggested himself that a pedestrian crossing was needed in the middle of Heol y Deri after he saw a resident with a walking frame struggling to cross in the village. We have the oldest demographic of residents across Cardiff in Rhiwbina and I feel the Council has a duty of care to them that is not currently being met. I would ask you again to please do the right thing and reconsider. Reply – Councillor Wild We need to be fair no matter how eloquent our speeches are in the chamber. You can of course speak to Officers again but I think our focus has to be on prevention such as 20 mph. We cannot keep putting safety measures all around the City, this would cost millions, we need to reduce speeds and improve safety, but please do speak to Officers again. Question - Councillor Boyle In 2017, following a series of collaborative discussions between officers and Penylan councillors about removing the narrowings on Ty Draw Road, we were written to as follows: We are looking to get the S106 money “drawn down” shortly for both these schemes [of which The Ty Draw project was one] and we will be aiming to formally consult on these schemes early in the new financial year. The scheme was delayed on the grounds that it made more sense to do the work as part of proposals to improve cycling infrastructure around Roath Rec. Nonetheless, we were reassured that, at least, the Council was committed to removing the narrowings. The current consultation about the Roath Rec cycle path now says this: ‘As part of the scheme’s development, we may consider upgrading the priority narrowings on Ty Draw Road to tabled (humped) crossing facilities that maintain low vehicle speeds, but allow two-way traffic flow.’ Why has the Council stepped back from its previous commitment? Reply - Councillor Wild Unfortunately, to date, funding has not been available to remove the priority narrowings as an isolated project. Therefore, this is now being considered as part of the Roath Park Cycle Route project. There is a small budget for narrowings and the focus is on busy bus routes. Supplementary Question – Councillor Boyle This was in 2017, in 2019 the Director wrote to me when chased and said they had looked into the issues and it looked positive, with an overall project of works for narrowings and makes the point about bus routes, however, in this case we are trying to remove the narrowings from the Roath Park Scheme and should be in the next funding round. I take the point but previously regarding the Roath Corridor funding scheme, we were told it was s106 money and we did a lot of detailed work with officers to identify that money. Can you see how frustrating and difficult it is for local Members when Officers tell us at regular intervals, in 2017 and 2019, when we did our due diligence, approached officers and are told the scheme is going to be developed and then it isn’t and the difficulties that then places local Councillors in terms of passing news onto the Community? Reply – Councillor Wild I can see that, I don’t think you were told categorically from the words you have used. I am sure you can be very persuasive with Directors and they would want to keep you happy wherever possible but as it is, funds are limited, there are other schemes in the City and in your area, where additional resources were found to make crossings at Colchester Avenue much improved and would have been a priority ahead of removing road narrowings. Yes its tough but resources are tight, I share your frustrations if you have been led to believe something is going to happen and it doesn’t. Question - Councillor Sangani Could the Cabinet Member please update us on the current pressures in the social care sector? Reply - Councillor Elsmore Members will be aware of the significant pressures in social care that are being experienced right across the UK. I am pleased to say that, whilst the challenges of increased demand remain severe, there have been improvements in the availability of domiciliary care in Cardiff. The numbers of those waiting for a package of care has reduced by 84 since January, with 40 care packages currently out to market. A significant amount of work has been undertaken with health colleagues to deliver a range of interventions to improve both assessment and care waiting times. These include the Cardiff Cares Academy, which is supporting the recruitment of new care workers. Supplementary Question – Councillor Sangani Can you please outline what incentives are in place to support the recruitment of new care workers? Reply – Councillor Elsmore Social Care has been under valued, the real living wage has been brought in from 1 April, as a Council we already pay this. We have registered 84 individuals, with 21 securing jobs in the care sector and a further 7 who are job-ready and awaiting employment. Six innovative new Care Partnership Contracts have been awarded for the delivery of a total of 1200 hours of care at home each week. These include the added requirement to work with the Council to support new staff into the sector. A managed service has also been commissioned to improve the speed of assessment. We continue to work collaboratively with our partners to manage the risks associated with these national challenges and to identify effective responses to these pressures. We are also offering driving lessons, DBS checks and Job matching. Question - Councillor Hudson Can the council look into offering free public transport into the city centre at weekends to kickstart the retail & hospitality sector? Reply - Councillor Wild The Council is considering a number of options to encourage greater use of public transport in the city, of which fare initiatives may form part of the response. Supplementary Question – Councillor Hudson If it is not possible what other ways as a Council can we support this sector? Reply – Councillor Wild It would cost millions of pounds and the question is how do we pay for it. You weren’t happy with the 48p a month increase in Council Tax. We have confidence in the City Centre, it has seen increased footfall. We did offer the £1 bus fares before Christmas and we would like to do this again. Question - Councillor Owen Jones Could the Cabinet Member give an update on any plans to improve the CCTV systems on Clifton Street? Reply - Councillor Thorne In August 2021, the Community Safety Team established a Task and Finish Group to focus on the complex issues that are acknowledged by partners and members of the public in Clifton Street. The group has identified key themes to focus on and has set about actioning solutions to these complex issues. One significant development to tackle the issues is the upgrading of the three CCTV cameras that exist in the space. This upgrade will provide a higher quality of image and enhanced detection of unwanted behaviours, such as loitering, begging, drug dealing, and anti-social behaviours. These new cameras will be installed by 31st March 2022. We will also be placing signage in this space to inform the public of this enhanced provision. Question - Councillor Cowan Will the Council agree to permitting First Responders (who respond as the emergency services) to use Cardiff's bus lanes when on emergency lifesaving duties, if registration numbers are given in advance? Reply - Councillor Wild I would refer you to the answer that I provided in reply to this question back in January when it was considered as a Written Question. Supplementary Question – Councillor Cowan It is only a handful of people, they have asked for this reconsideration, will you reflect on it please? Reply –Councillor Wild Yes, I share your appreciation for these people as they support the emergency services. As they do not use blue lights they are not permitted to use the bus lanes in Cardiff but should any responder t an emergency 999 call receive a penalty charge, we are very clear they can appeal and my understanding is they will be let off that fine. Question - Councillor Mackie Can the Cabinet Member please update us on the progress of the Cycle Highway on Cathays Terrace and the related planned parking changes in that area? Reply - Councillor Wild The cycleway on Cathays Terrace is now taking shape on site and you can see some sections nearing completion. The aim is to complete all (or the vast majority) of the Cathays Terrace section by May 2022. Over the next six weeks, we also hope to start some of the planting work. The parking zone will be installed street-by-street and will commence in the coming weeks, communication to residents will be going out in the next two weeks. Question - Councillor Ahmed We are all concerned with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, especially with the Tory Government’s determination to press ahead with the National Insurance rise, and its refusal to help with fuel costs. I wonder if the Council’s Money Advice Service has seen an increase in demand for its service, and what help can it offer? Reply - Councillor Thorne The Money Advice Team provides budgeting help, debt advice, and can support residents to apply for grants, benefits and discounts, as well as emergency payments, foodbank and fuel vouchers. Nearly 64,000 residents have been supported and given advice so far this year, with the team helping to identify nearly £15.5 million in previously unclaimed benefits and just over a £1 million in one-off payments or discounts. With the cost-of-living soaring, it’s not surprising that our Money Advice Team has seen a sharp rise in demand, and we have already seen an increase of 4,414 people needing help, compared to this time last year. With the additional funding the Council has agreed for next year, the team will be able to expand the number of venues it operates from, allowing more residents to access support in local Hubs, foodbanks, supported accommodation, online, or through our Advice Line. Across our Hubs, new dedicated Fuel Poverty Champions will also take the lead in providing up-to-date advice to those in difficulties with their utility bills. The team also utilises the ‘Together for Cardiff’ Discretionary Emergency Fund, which helps those who are experiencing severe hardship. I am pleased that plans are underway to work with local businesses in the future to increase this fund and to continue to support our most vulnerable residents. Supplementary Question – Councillor Ahmed Is there anything further the Council can do to help these unfortunate and vulnerable people at this difficult time? Reply – Councillor Thorne We are doing as much as we can. Officers are always looking for further ways to help. I would urge anyone on the Council to come forward with any suggestions and we would be more than happy to look at them. Throughout the Questions and Answers, Members wished to have on record their thanks and tributes to the outgoing Lord Mayor and all Councillors who are not standing for re-election. They were thanked for their hard work and commitment to the residents of Cardiff and wished well for the future.
None
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to (1) approve the provisional programme of Council and Committee meeting dates for May 2022 to August 2022. (2) Note the provisional dates of Cabinet meetings during the period May 2022 to August 2022 as shown in Appendix A; and (3) delegate authority to the Director of Governance and Legal Services in consultation with Committee Chairs to make any necessary alterations to the provisional programme of meetings which may be required.
The Council was asked to approve the programme of Full Council meetings for the period May 2022 to August 2022, and To note the provisional programme of Cabinet and Committee meetings for the period May 2022 to August 2022. RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to (1) approve the provisional programme of Council and Committee meeting dates for May 2022 to August 2022. (2) Note the provisional dates of Cabinet meetings during the period May 2022 to August 2022 as shown in Appendix A; and (3) delegate authority to the Director of Governance and Legal Services in consultation with Committee Chairs to make any necessary alterations to the provisional programme of meetings which may be required.
The Council noted that no nominations to current Committee vacancies were received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: Approve the recommendations of the Local Authority Governor Panel in respect of new appointments of Local Authority governors to the school governing bodies as reported on the Amendment Sheet, each for a term of 4 years from the date of the appointment.
To appoint Local Authority School Governors to fill vacancies RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: Approve the recommendations of the Local Authority Governor Panel in respect of new appointments of Local Authority governors to the school governing bodies as reported on the Amendment Sheet, each for a term of 4 years from the date of the appointment.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: The appointment of Her Honour Judge Lloyd-Clarke as the Honorary Recorder of Cardiff with immediate effect and for the duration of her tenure as the Senior Circuit Judge and Resident Judge at Cardiff Crown Court.
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: The appointment of Her Honour Judge Lloyd-Clarke as the Honorary Recorder of Cardiff with immediate effect and for the duration of her tenure as the Senior Circuit Judge and Resident Judge at Cardiff Crown Court.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: The following, in so far as it applies to its functions 1. To approve the Joint Committee Agreement for the establishment of the Joint Committee for NAS / Foster Wales, in the form set out in appendix 4 to the report. 2. To the continuation of the hosting arrangement by Cardiff Council for the national and co-ordinating functions of the National Adoption Service for Wales (NAS) and Foster Wales through its Central Team 3 To delegate authority to the Corporate Director People & Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children & Families, the S151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to negotiate and agree the form of the agreement (‘Hosting Agreement‘) whereby Cardiff Council will act as host authority for the joint committee
The Council was recommended to formally approve Cardiff Council’s commitment to the proposed Joint Committee for the National Adoption Service and Foster Wales To agree the continuation of the hosting arrangement by Cardiff Council for the national and co-ordinating functions of the National Adoption Service for Wales (NAS) through its Central Team. RESOLVED: The Council AGREED to: The following, in so far as it applies to its functions 1. To approve the Joint Committee Agreement for the establishment of the Joint Committee for NAS / Foster Wales, in the form set out in appendix 4 to the report. 2. To the continuation of the hosting arrangement by Cardiff Council for the national and co-ordinating functions of the National Adoption Service for Wales (NAS) and Foster Wales through its Central Team 3 To delegate authority to the Corporate Director People & Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children & Families, the S151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to negotiate and agree the form of the agreement (‘Hosting Agreement‘) whereby Cardiff Council will act as host authority for the joint committee
In accordance with the Council Procedure Rule 17(f) Written Questions received for consideration will be included as a record of the minutes.
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.
Naughton: Interest on Pay Policy Report 2022/2023
Family member employed by Cardiff Council. The minute does not say whether this is a personal or prejudicial interest.
Molik: Interest on Cardiff & The Vale of Glamorgan Population Needs Assessment Report 2022
CEO of Sight Cymru. The minute does not say whether this is a personal or prejudicial interest.
Cowan: Interest on Cabinet Member Statements
Part-time employee of Believe-Organ Donor support. The minute relates this to the statement by Councillor Michael. The minute does not say whether this is a personal or prejudicial interest.
Bowen-Thomson: Interest on Race Equality Task Force
Involved in the Task Force sub-group as CEO of Safer Wales. The minute does not say whether this is a personal or prejudicial interest.
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