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Scrutiny members considered three items at this meeting: biodiversity and greenspace management, a draft Events Policy for events on Council land, and the committee's forward work programme. The minutes record agreed points on the Events Policy and a workshop to be held on the work programme, but no formal vote is recorded.
Apologies were received for Cllr David Jones and Howard Jackson.
No declarations of interest were made.
Minutes of the meeting on 24th June 2025 were approved as accurate.
Judith Jones presented the report. In response to questions, it was noted: · No maintenance fees within grants. Loss of funding would mean responsibilities would fall to core staff, grounds maintenance teams and community groups. · Communication and publication methods were outlined and the need for co-ordinated communication was identified. · Cross-working between teams takes place but a reduction in staff means that grass cutting is not always collected affecting recycling tonnage and biodiversity targets. · Restrictions on green waste recycling explained. · Attempts are made to work collaboratively with other services. · SWTRA are responsible for some areas within the County Borough but there is no core budget for flowers or biodiversity as a whole. · Agreed improvements could be made on co-ordination between cutting and litter picks. · Plea made to ensure money is spent on resource and workforce rather than communications. · Agreed formal list of volunteer groups could be developed but challenges are faced. · Volunteer days are promoted and any future funding could help volunteer involvement. · Co-ordination with volunteers and work schedules would be needed and looks ambitious for now. · Biodiversity site cuts take place twice a year, separate to the rest of the County Borough. · Biodiversity sites changed following survey. Chosen based on hectarage and ecological value. · Decisions on biodiversity sites are important as it would cost a lot to return them to recreational sites. · Scrutiny Members felt site visits would be beneficial. Members agreed amazing work is taking place but emphasised that the grass cutting and collection procedure should be reviewed to ensure pollinators are allowed to grow and recycling targets are improved. Biodiversity Officer reiterated that it comes down to resources and varying priorities can affect what the service does.
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.
The minutes record no declarations of interest.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.
Cllr Jamie Scriven presented the report. Zoe Thomas outlined development of policy. In response to the questions, it was noted: · Fees, charges and waivers to be reviewed for smaller groups. · Confirmed policy relates to events on Council land and not private land. · Agreed clarity is needed on the spaces to which the policy applies. · Some areas where events have been held previously excluded from policy due to various constraints. · Policy and timescales guides organisers and allows sufficient time to ensure requirements are met. · Events considered under policy outlined. Agreed clarity and examples should be included. · Agreed unusual/contentious applications will also be discussed with Ward Members. · Webpage will include the Events Policy and relevant information. · Event advertisement will remain with the Visit Merthyr website/team. · Website to contain clarity on who the policy applies to. · No historic applications for events until 5am however policy ensures all relevant legislation is covered. · Agreed policy will come back to scrutiny within 12 months from adoption. · Promotion of Council land events will take place once policy adopted. · Original consultation clear that Glebeland site developed as open public space with option of smaller events. · Penderyn Square will remain key site for larger events. · St Tydfils Shopping Centre responsible for events on Glebeland Site. · Member raised original meetings outlined that Glebeland Site would be main events site. · Due to number of restrictions and success of larger events at Penderyn Square, intention was that Glebeland Site was always to be for smaller events. · Layout of site, weight restrictions and surfacing means site doesn’t suit larger events. Some restrictions were only identified at time of completion. · The infrastructure around Penderyn Square better suits larger events. · Concerns raised around the development and use of the site compared to original plans. · Smaller events on Glebeland Site will compliment larger events benefitting whole town centre. Members commented that the policy was welcomed and needed. All changes would be tracked and reported back to scrutiny. Chair suggested that the policy could potentially be tested with larger promoters.
Workshop on Miners Hall, Theatre Royal and General Hospital to be held. Risk Report is to be added to FWP.
No referrals have been received.
Agreed LDP Workshop was interesting. Cllr Jones outlined information from workshop relating to Hoovers Site.
The Chair advised that there was no other business deemed urgent.