Wrthi'n llwytho
Nododd y pwyllgor ddiweddariad ar y contract gwastraff gyda Viridor, a chytunodd y bydd cludo gwastraff yn cael ei drafod yn y cyfarfod nesaf. Cytunodd hefyd i argymell cyllideb 2026/27 i'r cynghorau partner, ar ôl i aelodau holi am y gyllideb ar gyfer ymgynghorwyr allanol.
The Chairperson welcomed Cllr Amanda McConnell from Caerphilly County Borough Council as the new member of the Committee. Cllr McConnell replaced Cllr Jamie Pritchard who stood down as he became Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council. Apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Howells (Newport).
None received.
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 June 2025, were agreed as a correct record.
None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: To note the content of the report.
Officers provided a comprehensive outline of the report highlighting key points. The Chairperson then invited Members to make comments or ask questions. Members noted that the reduction in residual waste was a positive outcome and acknowledged that this had been factored into current planning. A question was raised regarding how far ahead reductions in residual waste were being planned for, and whether this could affect the long-term profitability or viability of the incinerator facility if council residual waste were to reduce significantly. In response, it was explained that local authority waste currently accounts for approximately 40–49% of the plant’s capacity. The facility accepts waste from a wide range of South Wales authorities and also processes third-party commercial waste. As council residual waste reduces, this is typically replaced with commercial waste rather than reducing the facility’s overall capacity. It was emphasised that facilities of this type do not scale down operations but instead source waste from elsewhere to maintain throughput. Members were reminded that the contract runs for 25 years from 2016 and that the waste profile over this period was modelled to account for increasing recycling rates and waste minimisation. Although key recycling targets are now being achieved, the reduction in residual waste had been anticipated within the contract assumptions. At the end of the 25-year term, there is an option to extend the contract by a further five years. Beyond that point, minimum tonnage requirements would be reviewed against actual waste arisings at that time. Members queried the remaining balance of the Community Fund, which was confirmed to be £32,000, available until 31 March 2026. It was clarified that any unspent Community Fund allocation would be carried forward and not lost at year-end. An update was provided on work being undertaken by Welsh Government, in conjunction with local partnerships, to review public sector waste disposal arrangements. This includes residual waste, food waste, and other waste streams. The review is being conducted on an all-Wales basis and includes areas such as West Wales that do not currently have incinerator facilities or long-term disposal contracts. Welsh Government is expected to engage with operators, including Viridor, regarding potential improvements and support for the public sector. It was noted that this work further reduces the risk associated with securing sufficient residual waste for facilities, as capacity exists nationally, with the key challenge being the establishment of appropriate contractual arrangements. Members raised concerns regarding the transport of residual waste, particularly the impact of increased HGV movements from West Wales into Cardiff and the associated pressure on the M4 and wider road network. It was highlighted that greater use of the rail freight network should be explored, noting the extensive freight infrastructure around areas such as Trident Park. Members emphasised that future discussions should focus on more sustainable methods of transporting waste, minimising road use wherever possible. In response, officers explained that during the procurement phase of the contract, transport was deliberately excluded. It was agreed at the time that each of the five partner authorities would be responsible for transporting and presenting their own waste to the facility. Issues relating to longer-distance waste movements and increased vehicle numbers were therefore considered matters for the planning process rather than the contract itself. It was further explained that while the contract does not control transport arrangements, routes within Cardiff are managed to avoid residential areas where possible. Transport planning more broadly remains subject to planning conditions, although the Authority does provide input to contractor transport plans. Members noted that circumstances have changed significantly since the inception of the project and highlighted that the facility is expected to operate until around 2050. It was suggested that transport arrangements should be revisited as a matter of urgency rather than deferred for many years. While it was acknowledged that some vehicle fleets are transitioning to electric, concerns were raised about the practicality of electric vehicles over longer distances. Members stressed the need for a wider strategic discussion, particularly in the context of reducing residual waste and sourcing waste from new markets. A proposal was made and seconded that the issue of waste transport and its future sustainability be included as an agenda item at the next meeting. It was confirmed that the matter would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting to allow for a more detailed discussion. Officers advised that Viridor has undertaken work on its carbon footprint. Officers will engage with Viridor to gather further information on transport arrangements, including the use of council-operated versus contractor-provided vehicles, the number of vehicle movements, and the distances travelled, including third-party waste inputs. It was noted that while rail transport has environmental benefits, transport decisions are often driven by economic considerations, and road transport may be favoured where rail costs are significantly higher. Members were reminded that rail had previously been used to transport by-products to Bristol, but this practice has since ceased. ACTION: Officers agreed to bring forward indicative data on transport movements and options to support an informed discussion at the next meeting. RESOLVED: To note the content of the report.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Dyw'r cofnodion ddim yn cofnodi unrhyw ddatganiadau o fuddiant.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: a. To note the 2025/26 projected outturn forecast including the projected year-end balance for the Joint Committee Reserve Account. b. To recommend the 2026/27 budget, including the proposed drawdown and closing balance of the Reserve Account, to the Partnering Councils for approval as part of their respective budget planning frameworks for 2026/27. c. To ask the Partnering Councils to note the indicative budgets, and associated partner contributions, outlined for the financial years 2027/28 to 2029/30.
2025/26 Month 6 Monitoring Position and Projected Outturn 2026/27 Budget Officers provided a comprehensive outline of the report highlighting key points. The Chairperson then invited Members to make comments or ask questions. Members raised a query regarding the budget allocation for external advisors within the contingency provision. It was noted that external advisors had been used only once in approximately eight years, at a cost of around £6,000, and that actual spend had never approached the £60,000 budgeted figure. Members questioned whether the current allocation accurately reflected historic usage and suggested that expectations might be better managed by reducing the budget for external advisors and increasing the contingency provision instead. It was acknowledged that the contingency budget is important to maintain, particularly as funding is only drawn down when required. However, concern was expressed that the external advisors budget appeared unrealistic given historic spending levels and could create a misleading impression. In response, officers advised that the key priority was to ensure that sufficient resources were available within the overall budget to avoid the need to return to constituent councils for additional funding. While historical spend on external advisors had been low, it was highlighted that future change-in-law events or unforeseen requirements could arise, and that £60,000 would not necessarily cover significant external legal or technical advice in such circumstances. It was explained that the decision not to redistribute underspends at this stage was made in order to preserve the reserve account. Officers noted that there were potential significant change-in-law events anticipated in the medium term and that maintaining flexibility within the budget was considered prudent. Officers confirmed that the budget position would continue to be monitored throughout the year. Should it become clear toward year end that no drawdown was likely and that future projections did not indicate a need for the retained resources, the option of revisiting the allocation or considering a rebate could be reviewed. Members were also reminded that partner authority contributions remained unchanged and that this approach had been consistent for several years. Members sought assurance that the position would be reviewed at year end, including for audit clarity purposes. Officers confirmed that the matter would be kept under review and would be considered at future meetings, including subsequent CMB meetings as appropriate. RESOLVED: a. To note the 2025/26 projected outturn forecast including the projected year-end balance for the Joint Committee Reserve Account. b. To recommend the 2026/27 budget, including the proposed drawdown and closing balance of the Reserve Account, to the Partnering Councils for approval as part of their respective budget planning frameworks for 2026/27. c. To ask the Partnering Councils to note the indicative budgets, and associated partner contributions, outlined for the financial years 2027/28 to 2029/30.
Rhan o fater a ddilynwyd ar draws 5 cyfarfod
19th of May 2026.