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The Council approved its response to the Panel Performance Assessment, a council tax premium on long-term empty homes from April 2027, and recruitment for a Director of Corporate Services. It also decided that Full Council will decide future school closures and opposed cuts to community hospital beds in Powys. The motion on safeguarding children educated at home was deferred to a later meeting.
Apologies for absence were received from County Councillors Adam Kennerley, Kelly Healy and Carol Robinson. It was noted that County Councillors Amanda Jenner and Peter Lewis would join the meeting later. It was further noted that County Councillor Little Brighouse hoped to join the meeting later due to ill health.
That the Chair be authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2026 as a correct record.
The following declarations of interest were made: • County Councillor Gareth Pugh declared an interest in Item 9, Council Tax Premiums on Empty Properties. • County Councillor Danny Bebb declared an interest in Item 12, Strengthening Safeguarding Arrangements for Electively Home Educated Children. • County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe declared an interest in Item 13, Requirement for Full Council Determination of School Closure Proposals. • County Councillor Ian Harrison declared an interest in Item 13 as a school governor. • County Councillor Beverley Baynham declared a personal interest in Item 14, Protecting Hospitals and Hospital Bed Capacity in Powys. • County Councillor Rwth Hughes declared a personal interest in Item 14 as an employee of Powys Teaching Health Board. • County Councillor Gary Mitchell declared a personal interest in Item 14 through his membership of the Regional Partnership Board, as Co-Chair of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisation (PAVO). The Monitoring Officer reminded Members of the existing dispensations relating to school governance matters.
The Chair welcomed representatives from the Archives Service, Sensory Team and Vision Team who were exhibiting in the lobby and encouraged Members to visit them during the day. The Chair congratulated Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin on winning the World Rally Championship after a number of years of finishing as runners-up. The Chair reported on civic engagements undertaken since the previous meeting, including attendance at the Royal Welsh Show, community events across the county, the Tour of Britain Women's Race, the Wild Wolf Runner event and the opening of the Presteigne Festival. The Chair also announced that Powys County Council had achieved the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in recognition of its support for the Armed Forces community. Tribute was paid to the Deputy Leader, County Councillor Matthew Dorrance, together with officers and staff whose efforts had contributed to securing the award. County Councillor Matthew Dorrance thanked officers and staff for their work and advised that efforts would continue towards achieving Platinum accreditation.
The Leader referred to the recently published Panel Performance Assessment and welcomed the positive findings in relation to the Council's performance and governance arrangements. He highlighted work undertaken through the Marches Forward Partnership and recent engagement with Welsh Government and Senedd Members. He also referred to progress in delivering economic growth priorities through the GROW Powys Strategy and preparations for major future events including the Tour de France Grand Départ and the National Eisteddfod. The Leader reported that the Council had become an accredited Real Living Wage Employer and noted the positive conclusions reached within the Annual Governance Statement. He also welcomed the favourable findings from Care Inspectorate Wales inspections and highlighted improvements in educational performance across Powys. Reference was made to ongoing investment in public transport, the delivery of new council housing developments and the Council's response to recent wildfire incidents. The Leader also highlighted collaborative work being undertaken to raise awareness of and tackle spiking incidents. County Councillor Ange Williams conveyed thanks from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to communities, farmers and partner organisations for their assistance during the recent wildfire season.
A supplementary question was asked by Sharon Jones regarding the timescales for maintenance works to a culvert close to her property and the continuing risk of flooding. The Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys acknowledged the concerns raised, expressed sympathy regarding the impact previous flooding incidents had had on local residents and undertook to review the matter further. Members were advised that the issue could also be raised through the Council's Flood Governance Board.
No supplementary question was asked in relation to the question submitted by David Balmer-Cribb.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED • To approve the Council’s organisational response and action plan to the Panel Performance Assessment recommendations, including the proposed actions, accountable officers, reporting arrangements and target completion dates.
The Leader, County Councillor Jake Berriman presented the report to Council. During consideration of the report, Members welcomed the positive findings of the assessment whilst recognising opportunities for further improvement. Discussion focused on the recommendations relating to financial governance, the future role and effectiveness of the Finance Panel, the relationship between scrutiny and Governance and Audit Committee functions and the importance of ensuring robust oversight arrangements across the Council. Members also reflected on the observations relating to education services and the Council's wider transformation programme, noting that the assessment had recognised significant progress whilst identifying areas where continued development would be required. County Councillor Glyn Preston proposed the recommendations contained within the report and was seconded by County Councillor Matthew Dorrance. Upon being put to the vote, the recommendations were carried by 41 votes to 16, with 3 abstentions. RESOLVED • To approve the Council’s organisational response and action plan to the Panel Performance Assessment recommendations, including the proposed actions, accountable officers, reporting arrangements and target completion dates.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. To approve the amendments to the Constitution as set out in the report to the Democratic Services Committee o Section 22 – Confidential Reporting “Whistleblowing Code” o Section 11 – Officers • Section 9 – Regulatory and other Committees o Section 2 – Purpose, Definition, Interpretation o Section 17 – Contract Procedure Rules of the Constitution.
Members considered a number of proposed constitutional amendments relating to the Confidential Reporting (Whistleblowing) Code, officer responsibilities, committee arrangements, interpretation provisions and Contract Procedure Rules. It was noted that the amendments reflected legislative changes, operational improvements and recommendations arising from reviews of governance arrangements. County Councillor Glyn Preston proposed the recommendations and was seconded by County Councillor Graham Breeze. Upon being put to the vote, the recommendations were unanimously supported. RESOLVED: 1. To approve the amendments to the Constitution as set out in the report to the Democratic Services Committee o Section 22 – Confidential Reporting “Whistleblowing Code” o Section 11 – Officers • Section 9 – Regulatory and other Committees o Section 2 – Purpose, Definition, Interpretation o Section 17 – Contract Procedure Rules of the Constitution.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: 1. That an incremental council tax premium for long-term empty properties be introduced from 1 April 2027, by applying o A 100% premium where a property has been continuously empty for one year or more but less than 5 years. o A 200% premium where a property has been continuously empty for 5 years or more but less than 10 years. o A 300% premium where a property has been continuously empty for 10 years or more. 2. That provision be made from the additional revenue generated through the incremental council tax premium on long-term empty properties to support: o initiatives that bring long-term empty properties back into use; o initiatives that increase housing supply within Powys; o implementation, administration, collection and enforcement activity associated with the revised premium arrangements; o with the detailed allocation of resources to be considered through normal governance and annual budget setting processes. 3. That the council tax raised through long term empty property premium, its use and performance against policy intention measures be reported to Cabinet on an annual basis.
County Councillor David Thomas presented the report. Members debated the proposed introduction of an incremental Council Tax premium on long-term empty properties. Support was expressed for measures designed to bring properties back into use and increase housing availability across Powys. Members referred to the impact that long-term empty homes could have on communities and local housing markets, particularly in areas experiencing significant housing pressures. Concerns were also raised regarding circumstances where properties might remain empty for reasons beyond the owners' control, including probate matters, listed building requirements and extensive renovation works. Members discussed the need to ensure that available exemptions and discretionary reliefs were applied appropriately. Reference was made to the use of any additional revenue generated and the importance of targeting resources towards addressing housing need and supporting initiatives that would return empty properties to occupation. The recommendations were proposed by County Councillor Glyn Preston and seconded by County Councillor Raiff Devlin. Following a recorded vote, the recommendations were carried by 32 votes to 23, with 4 abstentions. RESOLVED: 1. That an incremental council tax premium for long-term empty properties be introduced from 1 April 2027, by applying o A 100% premium where a property has been continuously empty for one year or more but less than 5 years. o A 200% premium where a property has been continuously empty for 5 years or more but less than 10 years. o A 300% premium where a property has been continuously empty for 10 years or more. 2. That provision be made from the additional revenue generated through the incremental council tax premium on long-term empty properties to support: o initiatives that bring long-term empty properties back into use; o initiatives that increase housing supply within Powys; o implementation, administration, collection and enforcement activity associated with the revised premium arrangements; o with the detailed allocation of resources to be considered through normal governance and annual budget setting processes. 3. That the council tax raised through long term empty property premium, its use and performance against policy intention measures be reported to Cabinet on an annual basis.
Part of an issue followed across 4 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED o County Councillor Jeremy Pugh be appointed as the Brecknockshire representative; o County Councillor Gareth E Jones be appointed as the Montgomeryshire representative; o County Councillor Beverley Baynham be appointed as the Radnorshire representative. Council were informed that County Councillor Sue McNicholas had stood down from her role and therefore; o County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe be appointed to the additional Brecknockshire vacancy.
Nominations were received for vacancies on the Powys Sports Association. Brecknockshire: County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe was nominated by County Councillor Richard Church and seconded by County Councillor William Powell. County Councillor Jeremy Pugh was nominated by County Councillor Beverley Baynham and seconded by County Councillor Tom Colbert. Montgomeryshire: County Councillor Gareth E Jones was nominated by County Councillor Beverley Baynham and seconded by County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe. Radnorshire: County Councillor Beverley Baynham was nominated by County Councillor Gareth E Jones. Following the ballot and appointments process: RESOLVED o County Councillor Jeremy Pugh be appointed as the Brecknockshire representative; o County Councillor Gareth E Jones be appointed as the Montgomeryshire representative; o County Councillor Beverley Baynham be appointed as the Radnorshire representative. Council were informed that County Councillor Sue McNicholas had stood down from her role and therefore; o County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe be appointed to the additional Brecknockshire vacancy.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. That full council approve the recruitment process (including advertisement) in compliance with section 11 of the Council’s constitution for the recruitment process for the Director of Corporate Services, to include: o The Job Description and Person Specification (Appendix A). o Remuneration for the post of Director of Corporate Services, as stated in 3.2; i.e. £116,572 - £124,881. o That an advert is promoted in the media specified in 3.3 along with any additional media or networks deemed appropriate. This will be supported by a recruitment to enable suitable candidates to apply. 2. That Full Council approve the change in remuneration for the Director of Education.
Members considered the proposed recruitment arrangements for the Director of Corporate Services post together with proposed amendments to the remuneration package for the Director of Education post. Clarification was sought regarding stakeholder engagement within the recruitment process, including the involvement of the Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee and young people. The importance of securing high-quality candidates and ensuring robust governance arrangements throughout the appointment process was emphasised. County Councillor Jake Berriman proposed the recommendations and was seconded by County Councillor James Gibson-Watt. Upon being put to the vote, the recommendations were carried by 53 votes, with 6 abstentions. RESOLVED 1. That full council approve the recruitment process (including advertisement) in compliance with section 11 of the Council’s constitution for the recruitment process for the Director of Corporate Services, to include: o The Job Description and Person Specification (Appendix A). o Remuneration for the post of Director of Corporate Services, as stated in 3.2; i.e. £116,572 - £124,881. o That an advert is promoted in the media specified in 3.3 along with any additional media or networks deemed appropriate. This will be supported by a recruitment to enable suitable candidates to apply. 2. That Full Council approve the change in remuneration for the Director of Education.
Vice Chair County Councillor Danny Bebb had declared an interest in this item, left the Chamber. The Motion was proposed by County Councillor Jeremy Pugh and seconded by County Councillor Ange Williams. County Councillor Pugh requested that consideration of the Motion be deferred to allow Members additional time for member development and consider the issues raised in greater detail. The seconder indicated agreement with the proposal. The Motion was deferred to a subsequent meeting of Council. County Councillor Danny Bebb returned to the Chamber.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED • All future school closure proposals within Powys County Council must be determined by Full Council, following completion of the statutory consultation and objection processes required under the School Organisation Code. • The Cabinet may continue to initiate consultations and publish statutory notices, but the final decision on whether a school is to close shall rest with Full Council. • The Constitution shall be amended accordingly to reflect this change in decision-making responsibility.
The Motion was proposed by County Councillor Ed Jones and seconded by County Councillor Beverley Baynham. Members debated whether final decisions relating to school closure proposals should rest with Full Council rather than Cabinet. Supporters of the Motion emphasised the significance of such decisions to local communities and argued that the democratic mandate of all elected Members justified determination by Full Council. Other Members expressed concern regarding the implications for existing governance arrangements, decision-making processes and the Council's education transformation programme. Reference was also made to previous arrangements and the potential constitutional implications of the proposal. Following a successful procedural motion to conclude debate, the substantive Motion was put to the vote and carried by 33 votes to 23, with 2 abstention. RESOLVED • All future school closure proposals within Powys County Council must be determined by Full Council, following completion of the statutory consultation and objection processes required under the School Organisation Code. • The Cabinet may continue to initiate consultations and publish statutory notices, but the final decision on whether a school is to close shall rest with Full Council. • The Constitution shall be amended accordingly to reflect this change in decision-making responsibility.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. Formally oppose any; i. reduction in community hospital beds within Powys ii. closure, downgrading, reduction or loss of service at any Powys community hospital iii. concentration of inpatient care into only two or three locations across the County. 2. Call upon Powys Teaching Health Board to withdraw any proposal that would result in a reduction in community hospital bed capacity. 3. Reject any proposal that removes existing beds before equivalent replacement services have been fully established, fully staffed, fully funded, and independently demonstrated to be successful. 4. Write immediately to the Chair and Chief Executive of Powys Teaching Health Board, the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, all Powys Members of the Senedd and all Powys Members of Parliament setting out the Council's opposition to any reduction in community hospital beds or services. 5. Reaffirm that healthcare in Powys must be accessible, safe, sustainable and delivered as close to home as possible. 6. Specifically call upon the Welsh Cabinet Minister for Health and Social Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, to formally intervene by exercising his statutory powers under sections 26, 27, and 28 of the NHS (Wales) Act 2006 should Powys Teaching Health Board proceed with any measures that contravene 1(i), (ii), or (iii). County Councillor Rwth Hughes returned to the Chamber.
County Councillor Rwth Hughes had declared an interest in this item and left the meeting The Motion was proposed by County Councillor Joy Jones and seconded by County Councillor Graham Breeze. Members expressed significant concerns regarding proposals being consulted upon by Powys Teaching Health Board through the Better Together Programme. Discussion focused on the potential reduction in community hospital beds, the centralisation of services and the implications for residents living in rural communities. Members referred to concerns regarding travel times, access to services, workforce capacity and the likely impact upon social care provision. The importance of retaining healthcare services as close to local communities as possible was repeatedly emphasised. County Councillor Karl Lewis proposed an amendment strengthening the County Councillor Karl Lewis proposed an amendment strengthening the Motion by requesting intervention from the Minister for Health and Social Care should proposals proceed contrary to the principles outlined. The amendment was accepted as an alteration by the proposer and seconder and became part of the substantive Motion as point 6. Upon being put to the vote, the Motion was carried unanimously. RESOLVED 1. Formally oppose any; i. reduction in community hospital beds within Powys ii. closure, downgrading, reduction or loss of service at any Powys community hospital iii. concentration of inpatient care into only two or three locations across the County. 2. Call upon Powys Teaching Health Board to withdraw any proposal that would result in a reduction in community hospital bed capacity. 3. Reject any proposal that removes existing beds before equivalent replacement services have been fully established, fully staffed, fully funded, and independently demonstrated to be successful. 4. Write immediately to the Chair and Chief Executive of Powys Teaching Health Board, the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, all Powys Members of the Senedd and all Powys Members of Parliament setting out the Council's opposition to any reduction in community hospital beds or services. 5. Reaffirm that healthcare in Powys must be accessible, safe, sustainable and delivered as close to home as possible. 6. Specifically call upon the Welsh Cabinet Minister for Health and Social Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, to formally intervene by exercising his statutory powers under sections 26, 27, and 28 of the NHS (Wales) Act 2006 should Powys Teaching Health Board proceed with any measures that contravene 1(i), (ii), or (iii). County Councillor Rwth Hughes returned to the Chamber.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. That the Council formally call upon Welsh Government to pass on in full to local authorities the additional funding provided for Additional Learning Needs education.
The Motion was proposed by County Councillor Hugh Williams and seconded by County Councillor David Meredith. Members highlighted the increasing demand for Additional Learning Needs provision and the significant financial pressures being experienced by schools and local authorities. Reference was made to rising transport costs, increasing complexity of need and the importance of ensuring that children and young people received timely and appropriate support. Members argued that additional funding allocated by Welsh Government for Additional Learning Needs should be passed directly to local authorities so that the intended benefits could be fully realised and educational outcomes improved. Following debate, the Motion was carried by 49 votes to 1, with 2 abstentions. RESOLVED 1. That the Council formally call upon Welsh Government to pass on in full to local authorities the additional funding provided for Additional Learning Needs education.
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.
Gareth Pugh: Interest on Council Tax Premiums on Empty Properties
Declared an interest in the council tax premium item. The minute does not give the nature of the interest.
Danny Bebb: Interest on Notice of Motion - Strengthening Safeguarding Arrangements for Electively Home Educated Children
Declared an interest in the motion on electively home educated children. The minute does not give the nature of the interest. He left the Chamber for the item and returned afterwards.
Gareth Ratcliffe: Interest on Notice of Motion - Requirement for Full Council Determination of School Closure Proposals
Declared an interest in the school closures motion. The minute does not give the nature of the interest.
Ian Harrison: Interest on Notice of Motion - Requirement for Full Council Determination of School Closure Proposals
Declared an interest in the school closures motion as a school governor.
Beverley Baynham: Personal interest on Notice of Motion - Protecting Hospitals and Hospital Bed Capacity in Powys
Declared a personal interest in the motion on hospital beds.
Rwth Hughes: Personal interest on Notice of Motion - Protecting Hospitals and Hospital Bed Capacity in Powys
Declared a personal interest as an employee of Powys Teaching Health Board. Left the meeting for the item and returned afterwards.
Gary Mitchell: Personal interest on Notice of Motion - Protecting Hospitals and Hospital Bed Capacity in Powys
Declared a personal interest through his membership of the Regional Partnership Board, as Co-Chair of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisation (PAVO).
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