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 any apologies for absence.

The following apologies for absence were received from:-

Councillor S. Edmunds; and

Interim Corporate Director Social Services

To receive any declarations of interest or dispensations.

No declarations of interest or dispensations were reported.

To consider the decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 18^th January, 2023.

To receive the decisions of Cabinet held on the 18^th January, 2023.

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

To consider the report.

Consideration was given to the following:-

Meeting & Service Requirements –

Education Cabinet Members 'Spring

Meeting' with MfE&WL - Residential 2023

1^st March – 3^rd March, 2023

RESOLVED that approval be given for Councillor S. Edmunds, Cabinet Member – People and Education to attend.

2023 Royal Garden Party

RESOLVED that a representative be approved to attend one of the Royal Garden Parties to be held in London on the 3^rd or 9^th May, 2023.

Consideration was given to report of the Democratic & Scrutiny Officer.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Forward Work Programme for the Meeting on 19^th April, 2023 be approved as presented (Option 1).

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

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the draft Commissioning and Procurement Strategy 2023/2028 be approved (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director Education.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted (Option 2).

Consideration was given to the joint report of the Corporate Director Education, Service Manager Education Transformation and Business Change.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the policy document be approved (Option 1).

Consideration was given to the report of the Interim Corporate Director Social Services.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the programme of work by the Regional Partnership Board be supported (Option 1).

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

The Leader noted that the Place Scrutiny Committee recommended Option 1, and that tourism in Blaenau Gwent be further developed. The Leader asked if an explanation on the specific aspect on developing tourism had been provided.

The Cabinet Member – Place and Regeneration noted the substantive report and felt that a great deal of work was already being undertaken around tourism within the Borough and therefore proposed Option 2. The Cabinet Member – Place and Environment concurred that the report contained a great deal of information and felt that an explanation was needed on the reason why focus should be placed on tourism. The Cabinet Member – Place and Environment thereupon seconded Option 2.

RESOLVED accordingly.

The Leader suggested that in future Scrutiny Committees be asked to provide a more explanatory paragraph on recommendations put forward to Cabinet for Cabinet Members to be fully informed on specifics being recommended.

RESOLVED accordingly.

It was therefore

FURTHER RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted (Option 2).

Councillor H. Trollope left the meeting at this juncture.

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 Streetscene.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information which contained details relating to the business/financial affairs of persons other than the Authority be agreed. (Option 1)

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 Interim Corporate Director Social Services.

It was proposed that Part 1 Option 1 and Part 2 Option 1 be agreed in principle subject to further discussions in connection with future valuation potential. This proposal was seconded.

RESOLVED accordingly.

FURTHER RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing that the report be accepted and the information which contained details relating to the business/financial affairs of persons other than the Authority be agreed (It was proposed that Part 1 Option 1 and Part 2 Option 1 be agreed in principle subject to further discussions in connection with future valuation potential).