Agenda and minutes

You are welcome to use Welsh at the meeting, a minimum notice period of 3 working days is required should you wish to do so.  A simultaneous translation will be provided if requested.

It was noted that no requests had been received for the simultaneous translation service.

To receive.

Apologies for absence were received for:

Councillor J. Collins, Executive Member – Education

Andrea Jones, Head of Legal & Corporate Compliance

To receive.

The Leader of the Council declared an interest in Item 26 - Service Review and upon seeking legal advice remained in the meeting.

To consider the Minutes of the meeting held on 29^th January, 2020.

The minutes of the Executive Committee held on 29^th January, 2020 were submitted.

RESOLVED that the minutes be accepted as a true record of proceedings.

To consider the courses, conferences, events and invitations report.

To consider invitations to attend the following:-

Launch of the Capital Ambition 2.0 at Cardiff & Vale College, Cardiff – Thursday, 6^th February, 2020

RESOLVED that approval be granted for Councillor D. Davies, Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, to attend.

Overseas Trip to Turkey – 10^th-12^th February, 2020

RESOLVED that approval be granted for Councillors G. Davies and J. Hill to attend along with Steve Smith, Head of Planning, Ellie Fry, Head of Regeneration and Rob Davies, Environmental Health.

St. David’s Concert, St. Michael’s Church, Abertillery – Sunday, 1^st March, 2020.

RESOLVED that approval be granted for Councillor M. Moore, Chair of the Council to attend.

The Leader of the Council reported that since the preparation of the report, the following invitation had also been received.  He confirmed that no costs would be incurred for the event:-

Military Preparation School Award Ceremony – 13^th April, 2020

RESOLVED that approval be granted for Councillor Brian Thomas, Armed Forces Champion to attend.

Consideration was given to the report of the Leader/Executive Member for Corporate Services.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the forward work programme for 22^nd April, 2020 be noted.

Consideration was given to report of the Chief Officer Resources.

The following additional grants were reported:-

ABERTILLERY

EBBW VALE

NANTYGLO & BLAINA

TREDEGAR

FURTHER RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Governance & Partnerships; Service Manager, Policy & Partnerships and the Professional Lead for Engagement, Equality & Welsh Language.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee endorses the proposed Strategic Equality Plan prior to approval by Council (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Commercial.

At the invitation of the Leader, the Chief Officer Commercial presented the report and outlined the critical themes to being like a commercial organisation.  Focussing on the customer experience for existing and new services and to reduce inefficiencies in the system for customers.  Delivering quality services and ensure that the supply chain worked effectively to help control costs and enhance the Council’s reputation. 

From a commercial perspective there was a need to explore new opportunities, commission the right services in the right way to ensure value for money and delivering better outcomes for the benefit of communities.

With regard to reviewing and monitoring arrangements the Chief Officer Commercial made a correction to paragraph 2.6 of the report and confirmed that reporting on delivery of the work programme would be presented to the Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis and not on an annual basis as stated in the report.

The Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development welcomed the report and said that it was good to see the Commercial Strategy come to fruition with focus on an efficient Council and shaping the investment portfolio.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee agrees the Commercial Strategy and associated work programme (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Commercial and Communications and Marketing Manager.

The Chief Officer Commercial presented the report which was aligned to the Council’s Commercial Strategy and was designed to support the delivery of the Council’s priorities, vision and values. 

The Chief Officer Commercial made a correction to paragraph 2.7 of the report and confirmed that reporting on delivery of the work programme would be presented to the Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee on a quarterly basis and not an annual basis as stated in the report.

The Chief Officer Commercial reported that the communications landscape had changed significantly over recent years and it was critical that the strategy reflected customer expectations.  There were now multiple channels to reach audiences, including the traditional press, and stressed that it was important to use the best channels in the best possible way to reach customers.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee agrees the Communications Strategy and associated work programme (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director Regeneration and Community Services and the Team Manager Connected Communities.

The Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development presented the report and gave an update on the development of the Blaenau Gwent Employment and Skills Plan.

Enhancing the skills and work readiness of individuals was critical to gain employment through initiatives such as City Deal and Tech Valleys.  Predicting skills for the future was challenging and necessary to capitalise on opportunities, future proof employment and significantly improve the economy in Blaenau Gwent.

The Plan focused on five priority areas namely;

·        Business and Enterprise

·        Learning and Skills

·        Social Mobility, Inclusion and Employability

·        Education and Schools

·        Procurement and Community Benefits

The Corporate Director for Regeneration & Community Services commented on the benefits of engagement with partners and the opportunity to incorporate their comments into the plan as appropriate.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee approve the Blaenau Gwent Employment and Skills Plan (Option 2).

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Community Services.

The Executive Member for Environment presented the report. 

The Corporate Director of Regeneration & Community Services said that Blaenau Gwent had seven designated Local Nature Reserves and were bringing five forward for designation and declaration.

Declaration and designation would contribute to the Council’s Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience Forward Plan and help restore the impact of climate change to improve the environment.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee designate and declare five Local Nature Reserves: Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, Beaufort Hill Ponds & Woodland, Parc Bryn Bach, Garden City and Central Valley (Option 2).

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Community Services.

The Executive Member for Environment presented the report and gave an update on the Street Lighting Review.

The Corporate Director of Regeneration & Community Services commented that there was a challenging financial position, however, in response to industry need, street lighting had been increased at some industrial estates.  Insurance claims were now being pursued regarding damage to street furniture and a new solar lantern pilot system was being explored.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee accept the information contained in the report (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Resources.

The Chief Officer Resources spoke to the report which provided the forecast financial outturn position across all Portfolios for the financial year 2019/2020 (as forecast at 31^st December 2020) and referred to the information related to the actions taken forward to move towards a balanced out turn position.

The Chief Officer said that a comparison between Corporate Services Quarter 3 and 4 showed a favourable variance due to the increase in forecast expenditure for Council Tax Reduction Scheme.  Education showed a favourable variance.  Social Services showed the forecast variance had reduced due to an increase in the number of placements with independent Fostering agencies. Education showed a reduced forecast adverse variance.  Economy showed a slight reduction in variance due to the temporary solicitor post being extended to March 2020.  Environment showed a slight improvement due to additional fees & charges and the reallocation of costs for asbestos works.

The Managing Director commented on the improved position from last year but figures still showed vulnerabilities.  It was important to keep focus into the new financial year to move towards balancing the budget.

The Leader welcomed the good position of the budget which showed excellent collective budgetary control.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the appropriate challenge to the financial outcomes was received. The action plans attached at Appendix 4 to address the forecast adverse variances as at the end of December 2019 be noted.

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Resources.

The Chief Officer Resources provided Members with an overview of each Portfolio’s actual and forecast capital expenditure against funding approvals for the 2019/20 financial year as at 31^st December 2019.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee support Option 1; namely:-

·        the appropriate challenge to the financial outcomes in the report be provided;

·        the appropriate financial control procedures agreed by Council be continued; and

·        the budgetary control and monitoring procedures in place within the Capital Team, to safeguard Authority funding be noted.

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Resources.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee:-

·        Note the planned forecast increase of the General Reserve to 4.54% (above 4% target level) for 2019/2020 and future years strengthening the Council’s Financial Resilience.

·        Considered the impact the £0.064m forecast adverse variance for 2019/2020 would have on the General Reserve target; and

·        Continue to challenge budget overspends and implement appropriate service Action Plans, where required.

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Resources, the Head of Community Services and the Head of Governance and Partnerships.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee support Option 1; namely:-

·        Consider the position statement on the overt CCTV function;

·        Include the draft Policy and Strategy Framework for CCTV on the 2020/21 Forward Work Programme for endorsement; and

·        Receives the annual monitoring report.

Consideration was given to the report of the Managing Director and the Head of Organisational Development.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee agree the report and proposed arrangements to support the improvement in attendance (Option 2).

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Community Services.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee note and endorse the work of the Tech Valleys Programme (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Community Services and the Head of Organisational Development.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee agrees the report and proposed arrangements to support the improvement in attendance (Option 2).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager Public Protection.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee approves the content of the action plan detailed in Appendix 2 (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager Public Protection.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee approve the report as provided (Option 2).

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Community Services and the Head of Organisational Development.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee agrees the report and proposed arrangements to support the improvement in attendance (Option 2).

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Adult Services.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive endorse the report and the evidence provided to support progress in the 8 priority areas, and for us to continue to provide progress updates on an annual basis to the scrutiny committee as outlined in this report (Option1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Social Services and the Head of Organisational Development.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Executive Committee agrees the report and proposed arrangements to support the improvement in attendance (Option 2).

Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.

RESOLVED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended).

The Leader of the Council declared an interest in this item but upon seeking legal advice remained in the meeting.

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Commercial.

The Chief Officer Commercial spoke to the report and highlighted the main points contained within the report.

The Deputy Leader commented that with the improved working relationships and a clear way forward he supported option 2.

The Leader said that the creation of the Strategic Partnership Board would be key to the successful delivery of the service and go a long way to eradicate past issues.

RESOLVED that the report which contained information relating to the financial/business affairs of persons other than the Authority be accepted and option 2, namely that Executive Committee scrutinised the report and attached appendices and make recommendations to pursue Route B.

Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.

RESOLVED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended).

Consideration was given to the report of the Team Manager (Leisure & Street Scene).

The Executive Member Environment presented the report which was to establish a medium to long term approach to cemetery provision in Blaenau Gwent.

RESOLVED that the report which contained information relating to the financial/business affairs of persons other than the Authority be accepted and option 2, namely that a more detailed feasibility appraisal including costs and land options at cemeteries with limited burial capacity be undertaken.  This relates to cemeteries with identified capacity less than 20 years.